












Class Z *7 
Copyright N°_ 


COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 
















/ 
























. 





















































IN THE 
MOUNTAIN’S 
SHADOW 





\ 


> 































































































' 



























I 


^ .wi'. "i 




■ 


■ 

. . 


fff’Vff 














Ena 



IN THE MOUNTAIN S 
SHADOW 


A Tale of Life , Love and Adventure 
on a Western Ranch 


By Mary Rodney 

Author of '* Four Girls 99 



THE C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO. 

Boston, Massachusetts 
1908 


LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Couies tteceiv?* 

JUN 17 W8 

ifthWUflU c«U> 

Ap-y * 7 

odiS5f »/•> AXc. 1 *U 

2 . d 6~ <~t 0 0 

j/ COPY 8. 

4. 


Copyright, 1908 

BY 

The C. M. Clark Publishing Co. 
Boston, Massachusetts 

U. S. A. 





o%- )g7<£$ 


* 'L r 


CONTENTS 


Page 




Transplanted 
The Stage-Ride 


Chapter I 
Chapter II 


1 

6 


Chapter III 

A Joyous Reunion .... 

13 

Chapter IV 

An Agreeable Meeting .... 

19 

Chapter V 

Challis ....... 

29 

Chapter VI 

A New Acquaintance .... 

35 

Chapter VII 

Fanny’s Protege ..... 

42 

Chapter VIII 

A Visit to Bayhorse .... 

47 

Chapter IX 

A Narrow Escape ..... 

56 

Chapter X 

The Ram’s Horn Mine .... 

63 

Chapter XI 

Ranch Life ...... 

70 

Chapter XII 

Ranch Life (continued) .... 

82 

Chapter XIII 

Mrs. Pettibone’s Return 

94 

Chapter XIV 

An Unappreciated Present 

. 108 


A Refusal 

Chapter XV 


Page 

114 

Revenge Awakened 

Chapter XVI 


124 

Dismission . 

Chapter XVII 


134 

The Shearing Camp 

Chapter XVIII 


140 

An Interesting Sight 

Chapter XIX 


. 147 

A Narrow Escape . 

Chapter XX 


, 152 

Chapter XXI 

Fourth of July in Challis 


160 

Acceptance . 

Chapter XXII 


169 

Pursuing Indians . 

Chapter XXIII 


. 175 

Lost on the Flat . 

Chapter XXIV 


. 185 

Hilder’s Marriage . 

Chapter XXV 


194 

Rosabelle’s Visit . 

Chapter XXVI 


. 201 

Great Expectations 

Chapter XXVII 


210 

Chapter XXVIII 

The Death of Mr. Pettibone . 


. 217 

A Consummation . 

Chapter XXIX 


. 229 

Conclusion . 

Chapter XXX 


. 238 


Ena 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Frontispiece 

Page 


“The girls found the upward climb somewhat 

arduous.” ...... 23 

“ Well, Jim, lots of fish.” . . . . . 44 ^ 


“The two girls got into the buggy and drove 
off.” 


72 




Bill Davis called out: “ What! you are not going 

so soon?” ...... 104 


“ Looking at her as he said this, he thought how 
her charm for him was growing.” . 

“ Placing it to her shoulder she fired.” . 

“ Look there,” and he pointed to a black object 
in the distance. “ I am sure it is a horse- 
man.” ...... 


127 
153 ^ 


IS 

191 
















CHAPTER I 


Transplanted 

In the spring of 1889, as the large steam- 
boat, The City of Baton Rouge, was leaving 
the wharf at the foot of Canal Street in New 
Orleans, there stood on her deck two girls. 

When the last fleck of a pocket-handker- 
chief, waved by their friends, faded in the 
distance, the younger of the girls turned away 
to hide her tears. Her sister, perceiving her 
emotion, fondly placed her arm protectingly 
around her, saying: 

“Ena, you must be brave, for, although 
we are leaving all our friends and the dear 
old city of our birth, we are going to our 
nearest relative.” 

“Q Hilder, but Idaho seems so far away 
and everything will be so strange,” and again 
the tears began to flow. 

Hilder Graham thought it best not to check 
her, but gently led Ena to a seat near the 
railing, where she could look out on the broad 
Mississippi River and see the flitting landscape, 
thus diverting her mind. 

1 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

The Graham family consisted of three girls, 
who, being left orphans at an early age, had 
been reared by relatives. Fanny Graham, 
the oldest sister, having met a man from 
Idaho at the New Orleans Exposition, had 
married him, and gone with him to his 
Western home. It was to her that Hilder 
and Ena were going. 

Fanny’s husband, Mr. Drisco, owned a 
large sanitarium having natural hot springs 
on the premises, and the water possessed 
great medicinal qualities. As there were a 
number of boarders, Mrs. Drisco was obliged 
to have assistance; so she sent for her sisters, 
thinking at the same time, that it would be 
pleasant for them to be together. 

When Hilder and Ena landed at the pier 
at St. Louis, their first thought was a shoe 
store, where they could be fitted out with 
warm overshoes suitable for the Western 
climate. When Hilder asked to see snow- 
shoes, the clerk eyed her with astonishment. 

“Surely, miss,” he answered, “you have 
made a mistake; I think you must mean 
arctic overshoes. See, are these what you 
wish?” 

“ Certainly, they are,” laughingly said Ena. 
“That is the first blunder made by Southern 


Transplanted 

girls going West, but I dare say it won’t be 
our last.” 

“You will find many new and strange 
things in the part of the country to which you 
are going,” volunteered the clerk. For they 
had informed him that Idaho was their 
destination. 

After making a few more purchases, the 
girls were ready to board the train for their 
distant home. As is generally the case, they 
met pleasant traveling companions, which 
made the journey seem less tedious. They 
were agreeably surprised when the conductor 
told them that the next stopping-place would 
be Blackfoot. 

As they stepped from the train, they saw 
the station on one side and a row of small 
houses made of logs on the other. Standing 
on the platform were a man holding a mail- 
sack and two other men wearing broad- 
brimmed hats, enormous fringed-leather 
trousers and small-heeled boots with great 
spurs. Not far from the platform stood a 
heavy spring-wagon to which were hitched 
two bay horses, either very nervous or else 
half broken, for they were rearing and plung- 
ing, and shying away from the train. 

“Do look at those animals, Hilder,” said 

3 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

Ena; “they will certainly get away from that 
man.” 

“No, they won’t; see, the driver has them 
under perfect control.” 

As the girls stood gazing, as if spellbound, 
the man let his team go, and, turning at right 
angles, they bolted over the flat, the wagon 
bumping and bouncing over the sage-brush in 
a way fearful to contemplate. 

“I wonder if that is the way all the men 
drive in this part of the country,” remarked 
Hilder. “If it is, I will be afraid to enter 
the stage.” 

“No, miss, begging your pardon,” answered 
an old man, touching his hat; “it be only 
them what wants to show off that will drive 
their cayuses in that style.” 

“Thank you, that is certainly reassuring,” 
replied Hilder, then turning to Ena, she said: 

“ Where can that stage-agent be ? Mr. 
Drisco promised he would be here to meet us.” 

“There comes a gentleman; perhaps it is 
he,” answered Ena. 

“Pardon me, ladies, if I have kept you 
waiting. My name is Rushton; I am the 
Blackfoot stage-agent, and you, I presume, 
are Mrs. Drisco’s sisters from the South.” 

“Yes, and we were beginning to think 

4 


Transplanted 

you had forgotten us,” said Ena. 

“Not at all, ladies, not at all. An unavoid- 
able detention caused the delay, and now I 
am ready to pilot you to the best hotel our 
small town affords;” so saying, he picked up 
their valise and preceded them to the place 
indicated. After presenting them to the land- 
lord, he turned to them, saying smilingly: 

“The stage leaves precisely at six o’clock 
to-morrow morning, young ladies, so don’t 
let our pure mountain air affect you with 
drowsiness, and miss it.” With this injunc- 
tion, he left them. 

“My, what a talkative man,” observed 
Hilder. “If he is a sample of Westerners, 
we will be highly entertained.” 

“I don’t fancy him at all,” answered Ena; 
“he’s entirely too presuming.” 

“ Why, no, dear, he only wished to be 
agreeable,” laughingly said her sister. 


5 


CHAPTER II 


The Stage-Ride 

Promptly at the appointed time, the rickety 
coach, drawn by four Western cayuse ponies, 
stopped at the hotel-porch, and the girls 
climbed in. The driver mounted to his elevated 
seat in front, and, cracking his long whip, 
started the horses on a lope. 

The road itself was good; but on either 
side, for miles, stretched what was called the 
lava beds. Great towers of rock upheaved 
in all sorts of fantastic shapes. This was 
highly interesting to the girls and they enjoyed 
it. At five o’clock that afternoon, the stage 
stopped at the first station, there to remain 
all night. The place was kept by a pleasant 
woman and her two daughters. When the 
girls retired to their room, Ena said: 

“Didn’t that supper taste good?” 

“It certainly did,” answered her sister. 
“If all of the places along the road are like 
this, we’ll fare very nicely.” 

“But, Hilder, did you notice that stage- 
driver wash himself right before us in the 

6 


The Stage-Ride 

dining-room? I didn’t think that was nice 
at all; he should have gone to the bedroom.” 

“ Maybe that is Western style, Ena,” 
laughed Hilder. “I guess we’ll see many 
things which will strike us as being peculiar.” 

Next day the ride was even more interesting, 
for, here and there over the level valley, could 
be seen little log houses with flat dirt roofs, 
the sight of which struck the Southern travelers 
as being very odd and comical — also barns 
and corrals. Even at this season of the 
year, the valleys, as well as the mountains, 
were covered with snow, which to the girls 
was a most beautiful sight. 

But, alas for their night’s accommodations! 
The stage stopped before a log cabin, where, 
as the girls alighted, they saw half a dozen 
children, all with dirty faces and uncombed 
hair, staring at them as only country urchins 
can. The girls were tired, and, as they 
thought, hungry; but, when they entered the 
house and saw the condition of the place, 
they were disheartened. There were but two 
rooms in the cabin, one they were to occupy, 
while the family slept, ate, and cooked in 
the other. 

When supper was announced and the girls 
took their seats at the table, everything looked 

7 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

uninviting. The eggs were heaped in a pile 
on a plate, the potatoes were black, and other 
things corresponded. They made a pretense 
of eating, then, excusing themselves, they 
went off to their room, where they discussed 
this part of Western living. 

Next day the stage-driver told them that 
the people who kept this station had just 
moved there and that they were not likely 
to hold the position long. 

“Can you realize, Ena,” said Hilder, “that 
at three o’clock to-day, we will have traveled 
one hundred and fifty miles in this stage?” 

“It does not seem possible, for, of all the 
journey, we dreaded this the most, nearly 
making ourselves sick over the prospect.” 

“Yes, it was always that awful stage-ride, 
and we have really enjoyed it. In this case, 
the anticipation was worse than the realiza- 
tion,” added Hilder. 

“How far is that bridge we are to stop at, 
from Challis?” asked Ena of the driver. 

“Five miles, miss, and you will have about 
five more to ride with Mr. Drisco. You know 
the Springs are on this side of Salmon River 
and I have to cross the bridge to get to 
Challis.” 

“Thank you kindly for the information.” 

8 


The Stage-Ride 

“Not at all, miss; ask whatever you please, 
for I’ve been driving this stage for many a 
year and know the country perfectly.” 

They rode on for a few miles, when suddenly 
Hilder cried: 

“Can you tell us the meaning of those 
horsemen coming at breakneck speed?” 

“Yes, they are three masked men, who 
mean some dirty work,” answered the driver. 
“But you both keep still; they won’t harm 
you. It’s the express they’re after. If they 
were not coming from the direction we are 
traveling, I could outrun them; but, as it is, 
we must meet.” 

“Good gracious, do you think they’ll kill 
us, Hilder?” whispered Ena, clinging to her 
sister’s arm. 

“The driver assures us not, but we’ll have 
to run our chances,” replied Hilder. 

“Halt!” 

The girls heard the word in fear and 
trembling. 

“By whose authority, you d n rascals ?” 

asked the driver. 

“This, my man,” said one of the trio, 

4 pointing a loaded revolver at him. 

Looking down its shining barrel, the man 
knew that resistance was useless ; but he asked : 

9 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

“ What’s your business?” 

“Step off your perch and we’ll soon show 
you,” said the man with the revolver, who 
seemed to be the leader. 

“Here, Mike, you hold the horses,” he 
continued, “while Jack examines the mail- 
sacks; meanwhile I’ll cover our man here with 
this shining metal,” laughingly holding up his 
revolver. 

When everything of value had been ex- 
tracted from the bags, the man stepped to the 
door of the stage. 

* ? “Ah, my pretties, are you scared?” 

“Here, take our purse and get away,” 
cried Hilder, thrusting it toward him. 

“I don’t want your dough, my sweety; 
it’s a kiss I’ll have from those lovely lips.” 

As he caught the girl in his arms, she 
fainted. 

“You have killed my sister!” cried Ena, 
bursting into tears. 

“For God’s sake, call that devil away from 
there, if you have one spark of human feeling!” 
roared the angry stage-driver. 

“Jack, you fool, let those girls alone and 
let’s get away from here; we may be caught.” 

The man, thinking that really he had com- 
mitted the crime of murder, hastily gathered 

10 


The Stage-Ride 

the booty they had procured and jumped on 
his horse. 

“Now you may resume your seat of honor,” 
said the man who held the revolver. 

This the driver did; at the same time, the 
man at the horses’ heads let them go and the 
stage rattled away. Stopping at a short 
distance, however, the driver asked if the 
girls were all right. 

“Yes,” answered Ena, “my sister only 
fainted, and, as we had some water, I bathed 
her face, after which she revived. What an 
awful experience we’ve had!” 

“Yes, miss, I’ve been on this road for 
fifteen years and this is the first hold-up I’ve 
ever had. Awfully sorry it should have 
occurred while you ladies were aboard, it will 
give you a bad opinion of the West.” 

“ It will certainly make us uneasy regarding 
stage-riding.” 

“ This may never happen again, so I would 
make my mind easy, if I were you,” said the 
driver. 

“Don’t give us that advice now, please,” 
returned Hilder, with a ghost of a smile; 
“for we both are trembling as if we had the 
ague.” 

“ That will pass off soon,” assured the man. 

11 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

But it did not; the two frightened girls sat 
holding each other’s hands and talking of what 
they had passed, through the long, dreary 
hours, until at last the stage rounded a small 
promontory and there, in full view, was the 
Salmon River. 


12 


CHAPTER III 


A Joyous Reunion 

The scene that burst on them was one to 
gladden the most disturbed, for, standing like 
white mounds, were great blocks of ice, 
beneath which flowed, at rapid pace, the 
bluish-green waters of the river. 

“See,” said the driver, “we cross that 
bridge and there stands Mr. Drisco’s light 
rig. I suppose he is in that house you see 
there.” 

The noise of the stage was heard by the 
man himself, and, stepping up to it, he 
assisted them to alight. 

“ Well, girls, I’m ever so glad to see you, 
but what has happened? You both look so 
pale,” said Mr. Drisco, in alarm. 

“We have good cause for the state of our 
appearance, Herbert,” answered Hilder. 

“You tell him about it,” she said, turning 
to the driver. 

After the recital, Mr. Drisco remarked : 

“That’s certainly singular; it has been 
years since that game has been played. Sam, 
13 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

do you think you could identify them ?” 

“I would be certain of one, if ever I cast 
my peepers on him; he had a scar under his 
right ear, which I noticed particularly, and a 
halt in his speech.” 

“He’s the one who covered you, I suppose,” 
laughed Mr. Drisco. “You had a fine chance 
to observe him.” 

“Yes, that’s the chap,” answered the 
driver. 

“With that pistol before your face,” said 
Ena, “I don’t see how you could notice scars 
or anything else.” 

“I wasn’t afraid, miss, so long as he didn’t 
pull the trigger,” answered the man, with a 
smile. 

“And if he had,” said Mr. Drisco, “there 
would have been no cause for fear, as you 
would have been a dead man.” 

“ O please don’t talk of that dreadful 
affair,” pleaded Hilder. “I’m not over the 
trembles yet.” 

“Well, I’m glad,” said the driver, as he 
started the horses, “that we escaped with our 
lives.” 

As the stage drove away, Mr. Drisco said, 
as he helped the girls into the wagon, and 
started off: 


14 


A Joyous Reunion 


“Those robbers will certainly be caught, 
for Sam will no sooner have told it in Challis, 
than the sheriff, with a posse of men, will be 
after them.” 

“I do hope they will be caught and sent to 
the pen for the rest of their lives,” declared 
Hilder. 

“I don’t blame you for being down on 
them,” answered Herbert; “they will deserve 
all they get.” 

“In all this excitement we have forgotten 
to ask for Fanny and the children,” said Ena. 

“They are well, thanks, and Fanny is all 
impatience to see you both. I could hardly 
persuade her to remain at home. If this 
team could have been trusted, I would have 
let her come for you.” 

“As much as we would like to see Fanny, 
I know we will feel safer with you holding the 
ribbons,” answered Hilder. 

“We saw an exhibition at Blackfoot, as to 
how your Western horses can act,” laughed 
Ena, and she related the circumstance. 

“O you will see plenty of that before you 
are here long,” answered her brother-in-law. 

The fresh mountain air, blowing in their 
faces, had an invigorating effect on the girls, 
and the span of grays that Herbert was 
15 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

driving fairly flew along the smooth road, 
which lay along a level stretch of sage-brush 
land. Only a fetv ranches had, at this time, 
been taken up, owing to the scarcity of water. 
They passed the little country schoolhouse, 
made of unhewn logs and a flat dirt-roof, 
finally coming to the big gate, which was the 
entrance to Herbert Drisco’s premises. 

“Here we are, girls, safe and sound, after 
all your varied experiences,” announced their 
brother-in-law. “This road leads up to the 
house . 55 

“Does it ? 55 said Hilder. “We are so glad, 
for now we’ll soon see Fanny and the children.” 

“ That road looks really dangerous, Herbert, 
with those great towering rocks above it and 
that marshy ground on the other side.” 

“Well, Ena, we have never been hurt by 
either one or the other; so why worry?” he 
said. 

“Why, indeed,” she laughingly answered. 

They had reached a bridge that crossed a 
beautiful stream, and rode up to the house. 

“Mamma, Mamma,” called Richie, “here 
comes Auntie and Papa. Quick, let’s go 
and see them;” and, taking his little sister 
by the hand, he ran out into the yard followed 
in great haste by their mother. 

16 


A Joyous Reunion 

“You blessed young ones,” cried Ena, 
snatching first one and then the other up and 
kissing them fondly, “and O Fan!” In a 
moment, the two sisters were clasped in a 
silent embrace. Hilder was no less demon- 
strative, and it was a joyous reunion. 

“Say, I feel hurt,” remonstrated their 
brother-in-law. 

“ Why, Herbert ?” asked Hilder, in surprise. 

“You never greeted me in any such manner 
as this.” 

“ Well, you know, dear brother,” said Ena, 
with a merry twinkle in her eyes, “the only 
reason we didn’t was because we were too 
much exercised over what had happened.” 

“Yes, that’s a fine way to turn it off,” he 
answered. “ I admire your inventive powers.” 

“Did you have an accident on the road?” 
asked Fanny. 

“A very bad one,” explained Hilder, and 
she commenced relating the hold-up to her 
sister. 

“You had better let me finish that narra- 
tive,” said Ena; “you might grow embar- 
rassed, and it’s the part that Herbert didn’t 
hear.” 

Hilder’s face reddened as she answered: 
“That horrid wretch; yes, Ena, you tell it.” 

17 


In the Mountain's Shadow 


Tears filled Fanny’s eyes at the terrible 
ordeal her sisters had passed through; but 
she expressed her thankfulness that they 
escaped unharmed. After supper the sisters 
sat in Fanny’s room and conversed until far 
into the night. 


18 


CHAPTER IV 
An Agreeable Meeting 

Next morning, Hilder and Ena, accompan- 
ied by Mrs. Drisco, walked out to survey 
their surroundings. Fanny’s home was surely 
beautiful. There was a large, two-story main 
building and, off a short distance, were some 
picturesque log cabins. Across the grassy 
lawn could be seen the bath-houses, while 
in the distance was a duck-pond, whose 
smooth surface was covered by those beautiful 
fowls swimming and scurrying to and fro. 

Directly behind the house rose high moun- 
tains, not of dull gray stone of somber hue, 
but of many-colored rock, which, when the 
last rays of the setting sun fell on them, gave 
back a reflected glory really radiant. As the 
party passed along, the girls noticed a number 
of men going in different directions, some 
with fishing-tackle, others with guns on their 
shoulders, while some were on the lawn play- 
ing croquet; and, what seemed really mortify- 
ing, they pretended to be perfectly oblivious 
of their presence. 


19 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

“Well, Fanny, your boarders seem to be 
enjoying themselves, and where do they all 
come from?” asked Ena. 

“Most of them are miners, who come here 
for a rest, and to get a change of diet. I give 
them plenty of chicken, eggs, and milk — 
things they can’t get at the mines.” 

“If you have this many all the time, you 
must do a thriving business,” remarked 
Hilder. 

“We are never without some; but your 
coming has been spoken of and they have 
come to see what the Southern girls look like.” 

“They don’t seem very much interested in 
us, judging by their actions,” said Ena. 

“Don’t you think that,” laughed Fanny. 
“They have sized you up out of the corner 
of their eye, and, if the truth were known, 
they have all passed a mental judgment on 
you both. But come and I will introduce 
you to those who are on the lawn, and then 
I shall have to leave you.” 

Soon the girls were laughing and talking 
and playing croquet with the men, as if they 
had been acquainted all their lives. 

“You must have Mr. Drisco bring you to 
visit the mines at Bayhorse, Miss Hilder,” 
spoke up one of the men, whose name was 

20 


An Agreeable Meeting 

Sonoby Lindsley. “Most of the men who 
patronize the Springs are from there. Our 
town is very small, but we have some large 
mines in its vicinity, which, I am sure, will 
interest you.” 

“Yes, Herbert has promised to show us 
around the country, so I suppose he included 
the mines. Rock has great attraction for me, 
although I don’t know much about it.” 

“O you will soon learn, for we will take 
particular pains to explain the different for- 
mations to you.” 

“That is very kind surely; but do look 
there, that gentleman has caught a string of 
lovely fish. Now that is what I call sport!” 
Hilder exclaimed. 

“Say, Bill, where did you make that haul ?” 
asked one of the men. “ I needn’t ask, 
though, for you have been gone too short a 
time to have used a hook and line.” 

“Well, how did he catch them? With a 
seine or cast net?” inquired Ena, innocently. 

The men couldn’t suppress a smile, as this 
Southern girl asked the question; for they 
could not imagine hauling a seine in the 
Salmon River, or casting a net with the 
current it possessed. They were very con- 
siderate, however, as one of them answered: 

21 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

“No, Miss Ena, we use what is called giant 
powder, which, when lit and thrown into a 
hole where a lot of fish are collected, goes off 
and kills them.” 

“But that ought not to be allowed,” pro- 
tested the girl, indignantly; “it must kill all 
the small fish as well as the larger ones.” 

“I must confess, Miss Ena,” said Walter 
Aldrich, “that the law does not countenance 
such actions; but sometimes we evade its 
iron arm and it is such an easy way to get 
them. It is dangerous, too; a person has to 
be very careful and know just how to handle 
it. Not long ago, a man, who was staying 
here at the Springs, had his arm blown off 
attempting to get some fish.” 

“O how dreadful! I hope you gentlemen 
will never use it again,” said Ena. 

This remark caused them to smile a second 
time; for how were they to work in the mines 
without the aid of giant powder ? Surely this 
girl had much to learn regarding the West. 
As twelve o’clock drew near, the gong sounded 
for the noonday meal and the sight of so many 
men emerging from different directions and 
hastening to its call, amused the girls greatly. 
Mrs. Drisco asked them to wait on the table, 
which they did, being much confused at first, 

22 



The girls found the upward climb somewhat arduous. 






















An Agreeable Meeting 

however; but confidence gradually returning, 
they performed the duty easily and deftly. 

“ Do you young ladies feel equal to the task 
of mountain climbing, this afternoon ?” asked 
Mr. Lindsley. 

“ Certainly we do,” answered Hilder. “ We 
were just discussing the advisability of trying 
it alone.” 

“How selfish!” exclaimed Walter Aldrich, 
who, having accompanied his friend, over- 
heard the remark, “and you would not even 
give us a chance of refusing.” 

“That you would not have done,” laughed 
Ena, “if just for politeness sake; but the real 
fact of the case is, we never gave you a thought 
at all.” 

“A harder thrust than ever, Miss Ena,” 
he answered; “but now matters are adjusted 
by our inviting you both to accompany us.” 

The girls found the upward climb some- 
what arduous and many times were obliged 
to rest and take breath; but they laughingly 
continued. Sometimes the way was steep and 
the small rocks slipping from beneath their 
feet would have again carried them backward, 
had it not been for the timely aid of their 
escorts. When at last they gained the summit 
and were comfortably seated on a large 

23 


In the Mountain's Shadow 


boulder, Hilder remarked: 

“It is fortunate for us, Ena, that we did 
not attempt this trip by ourselves; for I am 
afraid we never should have accomplished it, 
as one step forward meant several steps 
backward.” 

“And what a horrible thing failure would 
have been,” Ena answered. “I shudder to 
think of it.” 

“Why, it would only have been a case of 
try, try again, Miss Ena,” observed Mr. 

1 1 oon learn to steady 



“Now don’t spoil the credit due you both,” 
demurred Hilder, “by talking in that manner; 
for we certainly would have been in a predica- 
ment without your assistance.” 

“As you will, Miss Hilder,” answered Mr. 
Lindsley; “henceforward we will consider 
ourselves heroes,” and he bowed most pro- 
foundly. 

“Do,” she said laughingly; then her gaze 
wandered over the inspiring and picturesque 
landscape. 

“Your experience in climbing the mountain- 
side reminds me of my first attempt at snow- 
shoeing,” remarked Mr. Aldrich. “If you 
wish, I will relate it.” 


24 


An Agreeable Meeting 

“ We are all attention,” said Ena, with a 
smiling look toward Hilder. 

The meaning of that glance had to be 
explained before the man would continue; so 
Ena told them of their mistake when at St. 
Louis. 

“ Have you ever seen snow-shoes, Miss 
Ena?” asked Mr. Aldrich. 

“No; what do they look like?” 

“They are about six or seven feet long, 
some four inches wide, and are made of very 
thin, strong, seasoned wood half an inch 
thick, running to a point in front, the toes 
turning up, for otherwise they would catch 
the snow. One stands in the middle, insert- 
ing the foot in a strap, which closes round 
the instep. Then you slide along the surface 
of the snow as best you can, at first very 
awkwardly indeed. It takes a long time to 
learn to manage them.” 

“Now for your story, Mr. Aldrich,” said 
Hilder. 

“ It was my first winter West, and the mine 
where I was working was situated at the top 
of a very high mountain, which you had to 
descend on snow-shoes to reach the town. 
Being a novice in that line, a friend of mine 
undertook to teach me the art; so one evening 
25 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

we started out. I put on the shoes and went 
about fifteen yards in safety, when, suddenly, 
a small tree confronted me. I knew of no 
way to evade it, so I tried to guide myself 
away from it and lo! one snow-shoe went to 
the right, the other to the left, and I found 
myself straddling the trunk. I looked around 
for help; but I was so disgusted at my friend’s 
lack of feeling, for he was laughing heartily, 
that I determined to get out of my trouble 
as best I could. I tried to back from the 
tree, and, in so doing, the heel ends of the 
shoes crossed and I sat down very suddenly.” 

“You must have presented a very comical 
sight,” interrupted Ena; “you ought not to 
have blamed your friend for his mirth.” 

“I did then, for I thought it most unkind; 
but I have long since forgiven him, for many’s 
the time I have seen others in the same fix, 
and found how next to impossible it is to 
keep from laughing. But to continue, my 
friend gained my side, and, after assisting me 
to get up, he said: 

“‘Now watch me and see how it is done.’ 

“He poised himself upon the top of the 
hill, like a bird about to take wing. The toes 
of his shoes were over the edge, and, in an 
instant, he was in full flight. 

26 


An Agreeable Meeting 

“‘How easy it looks!’ I said, so I deter- 
mined to follow him. I went all right for 
a short distance, then something happened. 
My shoes crossed, and, for an instant, I felt 
like a spinning-wheel, going head over heels 
three or four times, then taking a header into 
the snow. 

“I thought I would never get out of it, but 
finally I did, with the snow in my mouth, 
ears, eyes, and nostrils. Even my pockets 
and boots were full; it had crept down my 
neck and collar, and my head was white with 
it. When I looked around, I perceived my 
friend in convulsive laughter. 

“‘You think it awfully funny to be buried 
alive in wet snow,’ I said wrathfully. 

“‘Never mind, partner,’ he said good- 
naturedly. ‘I’ve been there myself, I know 
just how it feels. Your only revenge now 
will be in some one else’s misery. But, 
really, you did look so queer coming out of 
the hillside in a kind of volcanic eruption, that 
I couldn’t help but enjoy the sight.’” 

“Well, after that terrible experience, did 
you learn to snow-shoe?” asked Hilder. 

“I can answer for him, Miss Hilder,” 
broke in Mr. Lindsley; “he is one of the best 
at the mine.” 


n 


In the Mountain's Shadow 


“So there is hope of our becoming ex- 
pert climbers, Hilder,” laughingly said Ena. 
“Thanks, Mr. Aldrich, for so much encour- 
agement.” 

“You’re entirely welcome, Miss Ena.” 

“I think,” said she, “it’s time to return.” 
All acquiescing, the party left for home. 


28 


CHAPTER V 
Challis 

A few days after the girls’ arrival, Mr. 
Drisco suggested: 

“I am going to Challis this morning. 
Would you both like to accompany me?” 

“ Indeed we would, and glad of the chance,” 
answered Hilder. 

“Get ready then and be sure to wrap up 
warm, for, although the sun is shining now, 
old Sol is tricky and may hide his face before 
we reach home and we be caught in a shower.” 

When seated in the wagon, the girls noticed 
Mr. Drisco turn the horses’ heads toward the 
road by which they first came, and Hilder 
said: 

“Herbert, why don’t you cross the river? 
It seems so much shorter way; for we can see 
the town from the upper porch and it is in a 
direct line from here.” 

“The longest way round is sometimes the 
safest way after all, Hilder. I know it is so 
now; for the Salmon River is rising and past 
fording; besides, this way you will see con- 

29 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

siderable of the country.” 

“ I am delighted,” said Ena, “ for I do love 
to ride.” 

Her brother-in-law smiled at her, for she, 
of the two girls, was his favorite. In fact, 
Ena Graham was born to be loved. She 
was altogether bewitching, with that peculiar 
charm which belongs to certain women, a 
magnetic quality not dependent on faultless- 
ness of physical beauty for its existence, but 
something beguiling and upsetting, especially 
to the masculine sense, which seems to 
emanate from the whole person. 

There are women who have a singular 
power to fascinate almost every man they meet. 
Every woman whose name has come down 
through the ages, with a glamour of magic 
about it, so that the very sound of it makes 
the blood pulse quickly, must have possessed 
that strange power. Certain it is that Ena 
Graham possessed it in no small degree. 
She was not particularly beautiful, but bright 
looking, with a sort of morning clearness 
about her face. Her figure was slight, but 
delicately rounded, with delightful little 
touches of individuality about it. Her hair 
was fair, with golden tints and ruddy shadows 
through it. Her complexion was also fair, 

30 


Challis 


with a tinge of red in her cheeks ; her nose was 
small, but well shaped; her eyes were violet 
blue. 

Hilder Graham was tall, with a fine, supple 
figure, and stately carriage. She had a well- 
set head and a pure oval face, with complexion 
even in tone and delicate in texture. Her 
eyes were of the darkest brown; her hair was 
black. 

Now as the light wagon rolled merrily 
along, the girls’ cheeks flushed and their eyes 
sparkled, as the fresh breeze fanned their 
faces, and their brother-in-law thought he’d 
be quite proud to present them to his numerous 
friends in Challis. 

“You have such fine roads in this part of 
the country, Herbert,” said Hilder. “Are 
all mountain roads like this ?” 

“The majority of them are, Hilder. They 
are one of the things we can boast of.” 

“And mountain scenery is another. Look, 
for instance, at that rocky wall whose height 
must be all of two hundred feet. What a 
feeling of awe possesses you, as you pass under 
its shadow! See, Hilder,” she continued, 
“that large bird flying from yonder rocky 
point; it must have a nest there. Look how 
gracefully it skims through the air. Now 
31 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

it is coming back and circling round the point. 
What kind of a bird is it, Herbert ?” 

“Why, that’s the emblem of our country, 
Ena. Don’t you recognize it?” 

“Not at such a long range, Herbert; but I 
know now it must be an eagle. How beautiful 
it is!” 

“Yes,” said her brother-in-law, “but very 
fierce. They always build their nests on 
high, rocky promontories like that, as a 
protection for their young.” 

As they continued their journey, with the 
rocky wall on one side and the level valley on 
the other, with here and there a log ranch- 
house to break the monotony, and occasionally 
a glimpse of the rushing Salmon River where 
its banks were low, the girls thought it all very 
charming. They had been riding along in 
silence for some time, when suddenly Hilder 
said: 

“Herbert, I have been looking around in 
every direction and we seem to be completely 
surrounded by mountains, as if there were no 
exit whatever, except over the top of them.” 

“That is why this place is called Round 
Valley, Hilder, and the only way out is over 
the high divides. All this must seem very 
strange and startling to you both.” 

32 


Challis 


“ Intensely so,” Hilder answered, “ but inter- 
esting and enjoyable.” 

“ I’m glad to hear you say that, for it would 
distress me to know you were pining for your 
Southern home.” 

“No, we are very well contented with the 
change. Aren’t we, Ena?” 

“Indeed yes. I do so love the mountains, 
and it is so jolly for us all to be together.” 

“Well, as every one is satisfied, we ought 
to have a good time,” laughed Herbert. 

As the girls entered the town of Challis, 
they were charmed with its situation, nestled 
at the foot of the lofty mountains, through 
which ran a dashing, sparkling creek on 
whose banks grew willows and tall, stately cot- 
tonwoods just bursting into bud. A num- 
ber of neat and pretty houses were to be seen, 
also some stores, saloons, and a meat market. 

The most imposing building was a large 
hotel, to which Mr. Drisco took the girls 
while he attended to his business. They were 
entertained by the landlady, with a good deal 
of Challis history, which they enjoyed hearing. 
On Herbert’s return they had dinner, then 
left for home. 

“How did Challis get its name, Herbert?” 
asked Hilder. 


33 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

“It was somewhere in the early ’70’s that a 
cattle man by that name wintered in this 
valley about three miles northwest of here. 
He and his partner were camped with their 
cattle near the river. When out riding one 
day, he ran across this location, where there 
was very little snow. He noticed it was 
protected by the surrounding mountains from 
the cold, fierce winds; so, thinking it a very 
suitable place to live, he built himself a cabin. 
Soon after, gold was found in the vicinity 
and others came. It grew to be a town, 
and, in honor of this first settler, the place 
was called Challis.” 

“Well, he certainly found a lovely spot,” 
said Ena. 


34 


CHAPTER VI 
A New Acquaintance 

On their arrival home, the girls found their 
sister had company, whom she introduced as 
Mrs. Pettibone and her daughter, Rosabelle. 

“Pleased to meet you, girls,” said the 
visitor. “I he’rd tell of you long afore you 
come, from your sister, so I feels as if I be 
very much acquainted with you already. 
Now, how do you like this country ?” 

“We are charmed with it,” answered 
Hilder, “and we have had such a delightful 
ride to your little town of Challis.” 

“Pretty little place, ain’t it? Don’t much 
compare, though, with your city of New 
Orleans.” 

“No, it is not quite so large,” laughed 
Hilder. 

“I was just telling Mrs. Drisco about 
what a queer person Mrs. Abe Cummings be, 
as you come in. It seems, just afore her baby 
was born, she went out in the orchard and 
tied a rope about her neck and told Abe if 
he didn’t deed over his ranch to her, she would 

35 


In the Mountain’s Shadow 

hang herself; and what do you think Abe 
said? ‘By goll, Sadie, you’ll have to hang.’” 

The comical way in which the old lady told 
this literally convulsed her hearers. 

“Did Mrs. Cummings hang?” asked Mrs. 
Drisco. 

“You bet she never, and she didn’t have 
no intention of it neither. She only wanted 
to scare her husband into giving her the 
ranch.” 

“She ought to be careful how she does 
such things; it might have some effect upon 
her child,” said Mrs. Drisco. 

“Certainly so; as I told Alfred, that child 
is liable to die jest that way, if it lives long 
enough.” 

“O, did you hear,” continued Mrs. Petti- 
bone, “about Sara Jenkins’ little girl nearly 
killing herself the other day?” 

“ Why, no. How did it happen ?” 

“Well, it seems that Mr. Jenkins — he is 
a terrible careless man anyhow — laid his 
pistol on the child’s new playhouse what her 
ma had made her out of a large coffee- 
box, and she didn’t want it there, so she 
pulled the pistol off and it fell on the floor and 
exploded. The bullet went clean through the 
child’s clothes, setting them on fire. Her 

36 


A New Acquaintance 

ma he’rd the noise and run out, jest in time 
to put the fire out, or the child would have 
burnt to death.” 

“Oh, that was dreadful!” exclaimed Mrs. 
Drisco. “Wasn’t it a wonder the child was 
not killed ? What narrow escapes folks have 
sometimes! There is certainly an overruling 
Providence taking care of us.” 

“That’s what I tells Alfred, but he ain’t 
much on religion, Mrs. Drisco. My, I most 
forgot to tell you of the beautiful present 
Alfred has sent for to give me. You know I 
needed a carpet for my sitting-room floor 
awful bad, so my husband said I should have 
a brisle carpet and the brisles on it will be an 
inch high.” 

Mrs. Drisco could hardly keep from laugh- 
ing outright when she saw the look on Hilder’s 
face; but the former, having heard Mrs. Pet- 
tibone make such breaks before, only said: 

“Yes; Brussels carpets are the cheapest in 
the end, for they last so much longer than any 
others.” 

“That is what my husband said. Well, 
really, we must be going, for I told Alfred we 
wouldn’t stay long. Come, Rosabelle. Now, 
Mrs. Drisco, you must be sure and let the 
girls come and spend a while with us, and we 
37 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

will show them what real ranch life is like. 

“You will come, now, won’t you ?” address- 
ing Hilder. 

“We certainly will avail ourselves of your 
kind invitation, Mrs. Pettibone.” 

After this reply, the guests got into their 
buggy and drove off. 

“ Who in the world are those people, 
Fanny?” laughed Hilder. “The girl is nice 
enough, but that funny old lady! Her edu- 
cation has been sadly neglected, from all 
appearances.” 

“She is a good-hearted old soul, Hilder,” 
explained Fanny, “and she improves on 
acquaintance. The Pettibone family consists 
of four in number: father, mother, a brother 
who is considerably older than Rosabelle, 
and herself. They own a large ranch a few 
miles from here. Mr. Pettibone is a cattle- 
man and the son is a regular bronco-buster 
and cow-puncher. Well — ” 

“Wait, Fanny, not so fast, please; what do 
those terms mean?” asked Ena. “Those 
words are not in my vocabulary.” 

“Nor your dictionary, either, I dare say,” 
laughed Fanny. “The former means to tame 
wild horses, the latter to brand cattle.” 

“All right, now proceed,” said her sister. 

38 


A New Acquaintance 

“As I was about to say, the mother, as you 
see, is a very ordinary woman. Her people 
crossed the plains somewhere in the ’60’s in 
a covered wagon. I think she said there were 
five wagons filled with people who came West 
at the same time. She told me that every 
night they would make a circle with the 
wagons and put the horses in it, then light 
camp-fires and some of the men watch all 
night, for fear of Indians; but they had no 
trouble that way. Most of the people who 
came out with them went to Utah, but they 
settled here in Idaho. 

“Well, they took up a ranch and accum- 
ulated a number of cattle. Mr. Pettibone 
comes of a fine family, who reside in New 
York; but he came West for his health and, 
hiring out to old Buckland — that is Mrs. 
Pettibone’s father — to work on the ranch, 
fell in love with Lizzie Buckland, who, people 
tell me, was a very pretty girl, and married 
her. He then took up a homestead and by 
hard labor has made himself a rich man. 
When you visit them, you will find that the 
brother is very much like the mother. He 
would not attend school, so, in consequence, 
is very illiterate, while Rosabelle takes after 
the father and she has graduated from the 
39 


In the Mountain 9 s Shadow 

high school at Boise City. So that is their 
history as far as I know.” 

“I wonder how it is, that, no matter how 
well educated and refined a man is, if he 
marries a woman beneath him, he will almost 
always fall to her level; it seems impossible 
to raise her to his. Now, I have noticed, on 
the other hand, that a woman can invariably 
raise a man,” said Hilder. 

“That’s if he is not past redemption,” 
replied Fanny; “but my opinion is, that a 
man does not care. He might try for a 
while, then give up, while a woman will 
persevere through long years with patience 
and endurance to finally gain her end if 
possible.” 

“That must be it,” answered her sister. 

“Well, Fanny,” said Ena, “I have taken 
a decided liking to Rosabelle, and I think 
we will become fast friends.” 

“Ena, there is no one in this country I 
would rather you would make a companion 
of than Rosabelle. She is high-minded and 
good-principled, and, notwithstanding her ma- 
ternal parent, her manners are perfect.” 

“So I perceived, Fan, before I had talked 
with her for any great while.” 

“Well, now, girls,” said Fanny, “we shall 

40 


A New Acquaintance 

have to rush things to get supper ready in 
time for the men; so away to the kitchen.” 


41 


CHAPTER VII 


Fanny’s Protege 

One morning as Hilder entered the kitchen, 
she saw there, seated on the floor by the 
stove, an old Buck Indian, with his striped 
blanket thrown around him and his long, 
straight, black hair down in his face, which 
he would try to push back. When he saw 
Hilder, he laughed in a silly way and pointed 
to the table. 

"Is that a stray pet of yours, Fanny?” she 
asked her sister. 

"O that is old Jim, the fisherman. He 
trades fish for ‘muck-a-muck,’ as he calls 
something to eat. I pay him a little besides. 
Wait and see how much victuals he can 
consume.” 

" He does not look as if he was exactly right 
in the head.” 

"He isn’t, and the reason is, I have heard, 
that, at one time, he was supposed to have 
died. As he gave no evidence of life after a 
long period of sickness, the medicine men 
ordered his burial. While the squaw was 

42 


Fanny's Protege 

carrying out her part of the program, she was 
startled to observe the mound over Jim heave 
several times. She ran in terror to the 
Indians and gave the alarm. When they 
arrived at the spot, they found Jim had dug 
himself out; but the fright had unbalanced 
his mind. His squaw was afraid to live with 
him, and even the tribe drove him away, so 
the poor fellow sleeps in the woods and 
catches fish for a living.” 

“ What an awful thing that must have been. 
Fan, to have awakened and found himself 
underground! The wonder is that he wasn’t 
a raving maniac.” 

“No doubt but he would have been, had 
he had far to dig; but, fortunately for him, 
the Indians do not bury their dead very deep 
in the ground.” 

“His is a sad predicament to be in, but, 
Fanny, one cannot help laughing at him, he 
is so comical,” said Hilder. 

“He is always in the best of humor himself. 
Now watch him when I give him his breakfast. 

“Here, Jim, you want something to eat?” 

“ Ha, ha, heap muck-a-muck, bueno (wyno) 
muck-a-muck, heap wyno.” 

“He certainly ought to appreciate the 
quantity, if not the quality or style. Can he 

43 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

eat all of that?” For Fanny had heaped a 
large platter full of victuals and given him a 
big bowl of coffee. 

“Wait and see. He may ask for more 
coffee; he sometimes does.” 

Just then Ena entered the kitchen and 
Hilder rehearsed to her what Fanny had said, 
and both the girls christened Jim, Fanny’s 
protege. 

A few days after this, Ena was working in 
the kitchen when old Jim made his appearance 
with a fine string of fish in one hand and a 
bundle in the other. 

“ Well, Jim, lots of fish,” said Ena. “ Want 
muck-a-muck ?” 

“Hump, no muck-a-muck, no good muck- 
a-muck,” and he handed her the bundle. 

On opening it, Ena found some bright 
calico and she was at a loss to know what the 
Indian did want, so she called Fanny to help 
her out. 

“What’s the matter, Jim?” asked Fanny. 
“ Want to sell the fish ?” 

“No sell, this,” and he threw off his blanket 
and displayed a ragged shirt. Catching hold 
of it, he pointed to the calico Ena held in her 
hand. 

At this, Fanny began to laugh heartily. 

44 



“Well, 


Jim, 


lots of fish.’ 



























Fanny’s Protege 

“Now I know what he wants, Ena. He 
wishes to trade. You make him a shirt and 
he’ll give you the fish.” 

“I won’t do it, Fanny; I don’t know how,” 
objected the girl. 

“Why, yes, you can; make it like the one 
he has on. Double over the cloth, cut a hole 
for the neck, sew up the side seams leaving 
a place for the sleeves, open it down the front, 
and put some buttons and button-holes and 
you have the shirt made.” 

“Well, I can do that;” so she made Jim 
understand she would make it for him. 

She sat down to the machine and sewed it 
up, then finished it off, all in half an hour. 
When she brought it in, she felt well repaid, 
for Jim was delighted. What pleased him 
most were the buttons and button-holes. 
The old one had none on it and was always 
coming open. He had little ceremony as to 
where he made the exchange, hauling off 
the old one and putting on the new. 

“Ha, ha, heap wyno! heap wyno,” he 
said, as he executed a regular war-dance 
round and round the kitchen, pointing first at 
Ena, then at the shirt. 

“He evidently seems pleased with your 
work. Ena.” laughed Fanny and Hilder. 

45 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

“And I feel rewarded, first by the knowl- 
edge that I have done him a service, and 
second with that fine string of fish.” 

The old Indian wrapped his blanket around 
him and started off, and the girls heard him 
chuckling to himself way down the road. 


46 


CHAPTER VIII 


A Visit to Bayhorse 

“ Fanny, Mr. Aldrich has asked us to take 
a trip to Bayhorse and visit the Ram’s Horn 
Mine with him and Mr. Lindsley. May we 
go?” asked Ena, one lovely June morning, 
as the three sisters were busily engaged in the 
kitchen; for Fanny did not keep any hired 
help. In this, she followed the custom of the 
country. Now, if these two Southern girls 
had foreseen what was in store for them in 
the way of cooking, washing dishes, and even 
washing clothes, I am afraid they would have 
shrunk from such an undertaking. It is 
certainly a wise Providence that veils our 
future from us, for, seen all at once, it might 
overpower us; but, as day follows day, we are 
given strength to battle with it and come out 
victorious in the end. 

“ Why, certainly, Ena,” she answered. 
“How does he propose going?” 

“He said he would go to Challis on horse- 
back and bring down a livery-stable team.” 

“That’s very nice of him; but why not take 

47 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

our three-seated rig and let Herbert drive you ? 
Then you could ask Rosabelle Pettibone to 
accompany you.” 

“That would be capital, Fan; but how will 
we get word to her?” 

“Edward, the hired man, will be going up 
the valley this morning, and, on the way 
home, he can stop at their ranch and ask her.” 

“But had we not better consult the men 
as to this new arrangement?” suggested 
Hilder. 

“ O they will be agreeable,” answered Ena, 
her eyes twinkling. “Anything will suit 
Sonoby Lindsley, as long as he has his Hilder 
by his side.” 

“Hush your nonsense, Ena,” said Hilder, 
blushing furiously, “and go speak to them 
regarding it.” 

As Ena had surmised, the men were pleased 
with the arrangement, so two days afterward, 
they started on their trip. 

The morning was glorious ; the air was filled 
with perfume of wild flowers and the songs 
of birds. The fields were decked in their 
mantle of purple and green; for the alfalfa 
was budding forth, looking like a variegated 
carpet spread on the face of Nature. 

After stopping at Mrs. Pettibone’s for 

48 


A Visit to Bay horse 

Rosabelle, who was awaiting them, they 
proceeded on their journey. Crossing the 
Salmon River Bridge, their road went up a 
steep incline, then along the mountain side 
and through a narrow canyon. The road was 
far above the river, and, as the girls looked 
down, down, they saw the water indulging 
in a sparkling race over large boulders, then 
splashing into deep pools with a mighty rush 
and roar. 

4 ‘What a treacherous stream !” exclaimed 
Ena, “and how swiftly it flows! Has any 
one ever attempted to navigate a skiff on its 
surface ?” 

“I know of two men who went down the 
river, Miss Ena,” said Walter Aldrich; “but 
I have never heard of any one having the 
courage to come up-stream.” 

“It does not seem to me that it took much 
bravery to go with the current,” answered the 
girl. “Of course it was daring, I’ll admit; 
but any one who is used to the water would 
only think it fun to steer clear of those rocks.” 

“That’s all very well, Ena,” said her 
brother-in-law, “but you called it, a few 
moments ago, treacherous, and I see you 
really did not weigh your meaning. Now, 
that river is full of eddies, and, should a boat 

49 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

come in contact with one of these, it would 
certainly be sucked down and no human 
hand could save it. Do you see, my little 
sister?” 

“I acknowledge myself worsted, Herbert — 
a predicament most people find themselves 
in when they talk about something they do 
not fully understand.” 

“Yes, that’s even so, Miss Ena,” put in 
Mr. Lindsley; “we are all liable to be caught 
just that way.” 

Ena gave him a pleasant smile, then said : 

“Rosabelle, have you ever been to Bay- 
horse?” 

“Yes, I’ve been through the town on horse- 
back with John, my brother. We were driv- 
ing some cattle. We passed within a short 
distance of the Skylark Mine. I have never 
been into a mine, though.” 

“It was you, then, that we miners were 
craning our necks to see,” laughed Walter 
Aldrich. “We got up a bet among ourselves 
as to who it might be; but, suffice it to say, 
none of us won the wager.” 

“How could you see me when you were 
working in the mine ?” she asked. 

“Well, you see, Miss Rosabelle, a lady is 
such a rare sight to us poor fellows, that, 

50 


A Visit to Bay horse 

when we saw you, we gave a cheer, which 
meant that one was near; then drill and 
hammer were dropped and we rushed to look.” 

“My! what a commotion you did create, 
Rosabelle,” exclaimed Ena. “I wish I had 
been near with my kodak. What a picture 
you all would have made, Mr. Aldrich.” 

“Yes, a picture to have excited the ridicule 
of your Southern friends to whom you would 
have sent it, Miss Ena,” answered Walter 
Aldrich. “No, we would not have enjoyed 
being caught at such a disadvantage.” 

“How sensitive you miners are!” retorted 
Ena. “I shall remember in the future.” 

Thus the party kept up an animated con- 
versation until reaching the small town of 
Bayhorse. Here the girls were impressed 
with the rugged beauty of the scene; tall 
mountains lifting their snow-capped tops in 
eternal majesty against the gorgeous blue of 
heaven, endless vistas of rolling hills enrobed 
in dark green pines. But, as they proceeded 
up the narrow street, on either side of which 
a few scattering log houses dotted the moun- 
tain side and almost reached the bank of the 
surging stream, their lofty thoughts suddenly 
fell to the level. Ena began laughing softly, 
as the wagon rattled along the rocky road, 

51 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 


when her companion, perceiving it, said: 

“ What is amusing you, Miss Ena, if I may 
ask?” 

“Why, certainly; it seems to me that, from 
every window of each of those houses, can be 
seen a head, and it reminds me of the circus, 
when the beasts poke their heads from 
between the bars, and the injunction written 
below, ‘Don’t tease the animals.’ I was 
thinking how aptly it fitted this case.” 

“You are incorrigible, Ena,” laughed Rosa- 
belle, who had been listening. “Don’t you 
agree with me, Mr. Aldrich?” 

“Really, I do, and, after such thoughts 
as those, I would not dare ask her opinion of 
me.” 

“You do well not to. But see, Herbert is 
driving up to that store porch and there is 
a gentleman on it awaiting us. Are you 
acquainted with him, Mr. Aldrich?” 

“Yes, it is Mr. Arthur Griscom, one of the 
partners in the store.” 

As this reply was being made, the wagon 
stopped and the men jumped out to assist 
the young women to alight. As the party 
walked up the steps, Mr. Griscom stepped 
forward, saying: 

“How are you, Drisco? I see you have 
52 


A Visit to Bay horse 

brought a live cargo with you this time. My! 
it is good to see so many young ladies in 
Bayhorse.” 

“Good for sore eyes, is it, Griscom?” 
answered Herbert. “Well, come and I will 
present you.” 

After the introduction, Mr. Griscom said: 

“Walk into the store, ladies, and make 
yourselves comfortable; for I imagine you are 
fatigued after riding so far.” 

“Let me correct that erroneous idea, Mr. 
Griscom,” objected Ena, laughingly: “our 
party was so very entertaining that we were 
indeed surprised when we reached our des- 
tination.” 

“The doubt is forever erased from my 
mind, now that you have spoken, Miss Ena,” 
answered Mr. Griscom, gallantly. 

“Well, how are things progressing here?” 
asked Mr. Drisco. 

“ Fine, I assure you ; the mines never looked 
better and everything is in a flourishing 
condition.” 

“Glad to hear it, for that means extra 
patronage for Drisco Springs,” said Herbert. 

“ So it does, now more than ever, as there is 
an additional attraction,” answered Mr. Gris- 
com, his eyes seeking Ena’s for an encourag- 

53 


In the Mountain's Shadow 


ing smile. But that young lady was not at all 
prepossessed in his favor and he received only 
a blank stare. 

“ O my, I wish he wouldn’t be so personal,” 
murmured Ena, disgustedly; “ let’s go to the 
hotel, Hilder.” 

This was said as Mr. Griscom was obliged 
to leave them and wait on a customer. His 
conversation had been directed almost entirely 
to Ena; she seemed to fascinate him from the 
first, so the girl had just cause for her objection. 

“I see that the admiration is not mutual, 
Ena,” laughed Hilder. 

“If we don’t go away from here, I shall 
really hate him,” she said impulsively. 

“Well, let’s go before that happens,” pro- 
posed her brother-in-law, who had overheard 
her last remark. 

“Yes, please do,” assented Ena. So Mr. 
Drisco arose, saying: 

“ Come girls, if you are ready, the boys and 
I will escort you to the hotel, where we will 
have supper and remain over night. Remem- 
ber now, we must retire early, for we have a 
hard journey before us to-morrow. Accept 
many thanks, Griscom, for your kind hos- 
pitality.” 

“ Don’t mention it, Drisco, I only wish you 
54 


A Visit to Bay horse 

would remain longer. Young ladies, I place 
the store at your disposal while you are visiting 
our town.” His eyes were fastened on Ena 
as he spoke, so she was obliged to reply. 

“We appreciate your kindness, Mr. Gris- 
com;” she said this in such a dignified manner 
that the other girls left immediately for fear 
of laughing out loud. 

“ So you want us to retire early, Mr. Dris- 
co,” protested Sonoby Lindsley, laughingly. 
“Now, look here, I wonder if you would have 
taken that medicine a few years ago?” 

“I call that tough, Lindsley, when I was 
only thinking of the girls’ comfort.” 

“And our discomfort; but never mind, old 
fellow, you are only doing your duty as 
chaperon of this party; so we will forgive you.” 

“ Is that so ? Well, I feel as if I had thrown 
up an alligator. I’m so relieved,” said 
Herbert. 

The girls were obliged to laugh at this 
inelegant, though expressive, remark. 

“Well, here we are at the hotel,” announced 
Walter Aldrich. The party entered the sit- 
ting-room and soon supper was served, after 
which they spent a very enjoyable evening. 


55 


CHAPTER IX 

A Narrow Escape 

When the girls retired that night, they 
found their room large and well furnished, 
much better than they had expected for a 
mining-camp. The three of them occupied 
it, not wishing to be separated. 

“Rosabelle, I wonder how such a pretty 
American woman could make up her mind 
to marry that Italian; she seems so far above 
him.” 

“ Well, she ain’t though, for she don’t 
happen to be his wife. She is only living 
with him, and keeps the hotel. I have heard 
that she tends bar and gets intoxicated the 
same as he does.” 

“O what a pity for a woman to degrade 
herself in that manner! But, Rosabelle, I 
hear so much of that loose living here in the 
West. It makes me shudder; for we South- 
erners never associated with such characters 
at home. We held virtue above everything.” 

“Yes, Hilder, I have heard Mrs. Drisco 
tell mother the same thing; but here every 
56 


A Narrow Escape 

one seems on the same footing and they 
intermingle.” 

“Well, one thing I have determined on, 
and that is to associate only with those who 
respect themselves.” 

“You girls had better stop gossiping and 
seek your humble couch, for I am dreadfully 
sleepy and you disturb me,” said Ena. 

# “What a pity!” laughed Hilder. “Well, 
little sister, we won’t be guilty of such incon- 
sideration any longer, so we’ll go to bed.” 

The girls awoke next morning refreshed, 
and ready for their day’s pleasure. After 
breakfast, Mr. Aldrich met Ena and said : 

“Will you ride with me in a buggy up to 
the mine ?” 

“ Why, yes, if Herbert says I may.” 

“I have already gained his consent and 
the vehicle is in waiting. I was conceited 
enough to count on your acceptance.” 

“ See, it’s my only alternative now, no 
matter what I think of your assurance; for the 
rest of the party have started.” 

“Well, jump in and we’ll overtake them, 
and head them off too, for they have stopped 
at the store.” 

“Where we will follow their example,” 
said Ena, with a demure look. 

57 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

“Not if I know myself, Miss Ena; you are 
to belong to me exclusively to-day.” 

Ena gave him one of her bewitching smiles 
and they started up the steep mountain road, 
that led to the mine. As they proceeded on 
their journey, Ena remarked, as her gaze 
wandered over the scene before her: 

“For once in my life, I feel serious; as I 
look around on this grand panorama of nature, 
there seems something sublime and uplifting in 
the ruggedness of all this beauty, softened, as it 
is, in some instances into scenes more weird 
and strange than were ever portrayed by art- 
ist’s brush. See, those mountains towering in 
eternal majesty, tranquil lakes that softly 
mirror surrounding loveliness, and sunlit skies; 
that mighty river, which rushes and roars 
down the rocky canyon, singing on in rhythmic 
cadence. There, on the mountain side, the 
snow is giving way beneath this genial sun- 
shine, and the warm zephyr breezes coax the 
tiny wild flowers to bloom again.” 

“You are exceedingly poetical this morning. 
Miss Ena,” said her companion. 

“Yes,” she laughingly answered, “I don’t 
often fall into that strain; but, somehow, I 
now feel in that particular humor.” 

“Now, let us look at the practical side of 

58 


A Narrow Escape 

the question; human nature, you know, needs 
something more than scenery to subsist on. 
When summer arrives here, in central Idaho, 
human nature asserts itself in diverse forms, 
and demands something more tangible than 
birds’ songs, mountain scenery, balmy breezes, 
and crystal waters. Though, I confess they 
are all very well in their places. We 
demand something stronger than water — 
wrong I’ll admit — (this was said in answer 
to a look of reproach depicted on Ena’s 
countenance) and the braying of a mule has 
more meaning than the music of a bird. 
With the approaching warm weather, the 
soul yearns for a supply of bacon and beans, 
and a burro to saddle them onto, that we may 
go in search of nature’s gleaming, golden 
treasures, wherewith to buy more bacon, 
beans, and booze, as well as divers other 
luxuries and delights of civilization.” 

“Well, that’s good,” said Ena, laughingly; 
“tell me some more of the delights of mining.” 

“ By this time, all our energies are awakened 
with the desire for wealth. We rise up, 
scrape the moss off our backs, take a refresh- 
ing bath, change our socks, and then, robed 
in a blue flannel shirt, a brand new pair of 
overalls, bull-leather boots, a sombrero and 

59 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

six-shooter, we belabor our burros into action, 
saddle on the bacon, and, securing our 
utensils with a diamond hitch, we strike out 
for the hills, not forgetting, however, to take 
along a good supply of liquid inspiration. 
If we leave any friends behind us, they wave 
an affectionate farewell, saying: 

“ 6 Good-by, Bill, I hope yer’ll strike it, and 
if yer git more than yer can ’tend to, send fer 
me.’ 

“ Then away we go into the hills, to wrestle 
with the difficulties, and varmints and sich. 
A long silence follows after us, during which 
we keep on going, till finally the world hears 
from some of us and the news goes around 
the country like this : 

“‘Did you hear about that galoot striking 

it on C gulch? Got it dead ter rights 

this time. Mule fell down the mountain side 
and kicked the top off ’n a quartz ledge richer’n 
cream. Going to be a big stampede to that 
locality; nine barrels of whiskey already gone 
in. Fellows up town actually quit playing 
poker and hit the trail.’ 

“ Well, Miss Ena, what do you think of the 
practical side?” asked Aldrich. 

“I have enjoyed your description, but 
there must evidently be a great deal of hard 

60 


A Narrow Escape 


labor attached to it.” 

“That don’t count for much, if we only 
make a strike.” 

While listening to her companion, Ena was 
looking ahead, and, seeing a large ore team 
coming down the grade, she exclaimed: 

“Look, Mr. Aldrich, there comes a wagon, 
and surely it can’t pass us here?” 

“That it cannot,” he replied; “we must 
reach that turnout place as quickly as pos- 
sible,” and as he applied the whip to his 
horses, they started on a run. The two 
teams reached the spot at the same time. 
All would have been well, had not one of the 
horses in the ore team become frightened, and 
begun rearing and plunging. 

“ Oh, they will go over that bank!” screamed 
Hilder. The party in the hind wagon act- 
ually held their breaths as they saw the 
dreadful predicament of those in the buggy 
ahead of them. 

“ Courage, Miss Ena,” whispered Walter 
Aldrich, as for the second time he tried to 
pass the plunging animal. 

This time he succeeded, as, with a rush, 
they gained the other side. The party watch- 
ing never knew what saved them from going 
down the steep side of the mountain; for the 
61 


In the Mountain 9 s Shadow 

back wheel of the buggy was, for a moment, 
suspended in mid air. Ena heaved a sigh 
of relief when all danger was over. 

“You behaved nobly. Miss Ena. I was 
so afraid you might scream, and, if you had, 
there would have been no salvation for us.” 

“I never utter a sound when I am fright- 
ened,” she answered; “but we had a narrow 
escape. One thing, I had perfect confidence 
in the driver,” and she turned her eager face 
and expressive eyes toward him and smiled. 

He saw that smile in his mind’s eye for 
months afterward, that maddening sparkle 
of joy, which flashed from her eyes to the 
very bottom of his heart, there to snuggle 
forever, with memory’s most priceless treas- 
ures. Since their first meeting, Walter Al- 
drich found himself hopelessly, irretrievably 
in love with the fascinating girl by his side, 
but he dared not commit himself. What had 
he to offer a woman? He knew that he was 
her equal socially, yet he lacked the means 
to provide for her. But must he sit quietly 
and see some other man carry off the prize? 
The very thought was maddening. Burning 
words of love rose to his lips, which required 
his every effort to crush. 


62 


CHAPTER X 


The Ram’s Horn Mine 

“ Are we not nearing one of the mines, Mr. 
Aldrich ?” 

“ Why sure, that is the Skylark, Miss Ena. 
We are going still further up the mountain, 
to the Ram’s Horn Mine.” 

The ascent was now somewhat difficult; 
so they proceeded slowly. Finally, on reaching 
the boarding-house, they were met by the 
superintendent, who gave them a hearty 
welcome. 

“Now, folks, if you will just step into our 
sitting-room, in other words my office,” said 
the superintendent, “ we will have dinner 
presently, after which the gentlemen will 
initiate you into the mysteries of mining.” 

The girls thanked him, and an animated 
conversation was carried on, until dinner was 
served, which meal was enjoyed to the fullest 
extent. The party then went to inspect the 
mines. They were lowered in a cage, down 
a shaft to a depth of some sixty feet. There 
they struck a tunnel, through which the men 

63 


In the Mountain 9 s Shadow 


took them. Here they saw the miners at 
work with drill and hammer, lighted by 
candles stuck in sharp-pointed sticks, which 
were driven into the rock. They stopped to 
watch one of them, and, as the measured 
strokes of his hammer struck the drill, it 
broke off big pieces of rock. It was here 
that Mr. Lindsley explained the use of giant 
powder. 

On coming out of the mine, Hilder, looking 
up the mountain, said: 

“Let’s go to the top.” 

“Of course, if you wish it,” answered her 
brother-in-law; “but you’ll please excuse me, 
as I am not much on the climb.” 

“Well, Rosabelle, you go with us; we 
don’t intend you shall miss it, even if your 
escort is so very ungallant,” said Ena, laugh- 
iiigly. 

“ O pardon me, Rosabelle, I had quite 
forgotten you were my particular charge.” 

“Your excuse, Mr. Drisco,” answered Rosa- 
belle, smiling, “does not remedy matters a 
great deal.” 

“That’s even so,” remarked Hilder, “so 
we will leave before he puts his foot into it any 
deeper,” for Herbert was about to reply again. 

“Well, I will go; but remember, don’t stay 

64 


The Ram’s Horn Mine 

away too long, as we have our homeward 
journey to take.” 

In due time, the party reached the top. 
Here they were lost in the dazzling spectacle. 
Far in the distance were diamond-peaked 
snow-fields, striped, here and there, by a 
white, semi-transparent cloud floating across 
the top, hiding all but their summits and their 
base. From time to time, a lightning flash 
darted from this cloud and the reverberated 
echoes of the thunder peals resounded like 
long-drawn-out chords from these majestic 
organs of Nature’s own workmanship. 

“That thunder is warning us to descend, 
and that quickly,” commented Mr. Lindsley; 
“for it is always a forerunner of storm.” 

“ It is so grand up here that I hate to leave,” 
protested Hilder, as she eagerly watched the 
scene before her. 

“But it wouldn’t look quite so grand in 
a downpour of rain,” said her companion. 
“For the cold then would be exceedingly 
uncomfortable.” 

“I imagine so,” she answered. “Let us 
descend at once.” 

As they picked their way down the moun- 
tain side, a mighty chasm suddenly con- 
fronted them. Where two rocky fragments, 
65 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

whose rugged surfaces seemed to correspond 
exactly, stood face to face, through this rocky 
chasm many feet below rushed with madden- 
ing force a mountain stream, disappearing 
among the thick woods that lined its banks. 

“ What a glorious sight these mountains 
are!” exclaimed Hilder. “Everywhere you 
turn, something new greets the eye.” 

“Yes,” answered Mr. Lindsley; “even we 
miners love to look at Nature’s handiwork, 
and appreciate it. See, how those rocks form 
flights of steps, — steps, though, which were 
never fashioned for the foot of man, for each 
of them is as high as a tower. Then glance 
in yonder direction: there to the west, behold 
those rocky boulders, piled one on top of the 
other, in such a way that, if the undermost 
block were disturbed, the whole of the enor- 
mous mass would take a different shape. 
Everything here indicates that the dominion 
of the world and of man ends. Not a single 
human habitation is visible from this dizzy 
height; even vegetation, you will perceive, 
is limited. On every side, bald rocks and 
gaping chasms meet the eye.” 

“It is with the deepest interest that I have 
listened to your poetical description, Mr. 
Lindsley, but particularly the latter part; 

66 


The Ram's Horn Mine 

for do you know that most of the men whom 
I have met here, do not hesitate to deny the 
existence of a Supreme Being, and it makes 
me shudder for them. To me, the belief in 
an all-powerful Creator is one of the greatest 
assurances and comforts of this life.” 

“I seldom air my belief, Miss Hilder; for 
the odds are against me, and I would bring 
down upon myself a shower of arguments 
that would almost annihilate me. But I tell 
you what it is, life out in a mining-camp 
tends to shake even the firmest faith.” 

“I can readily credit your assertion, Mr. 
Lindsley; but do give your belief a corner in 
your heart, for, many a time, it will be a safe- 
guard in the hour of temptation.” 

“ Such a remark is reassuring, Miss Hilder, 
and I shall endeavor to remember it. But 
here we are at the boarding-house and we are 
late. See, the others are awaiting us.” 

“ It is high time for you to put in an appear- 
ance,” said Mr. Drisco. “Night will over- 
take us now, before we reach Bayhorse; so 
hustle up girls, get your riggings on, and we 
will start.” 

Thanking the superintendent for his cour- 
tesy, they took their departure. Sure enough, 
night did overtake them, but, as the moon 

67 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

had risen and flooded the entire place with 
her soft and silvery light, the lateness of the 
hour did not disturb them. As the girls 
stood on the porch of the hotel, the men 
lingered, hoping that they would be invited 
to stay, if only for a while; but in this they 
were disappointed, for Ena said: 

“ Really, gentlemen, were we not so fatigued 
after our day’s enjoyment, we would ask you 
to sit with us; but we know you will pardon 
us if we say good-night here.” 

“Certainly,” answered Mr. Aldrich, “we 
were utterly selfish to even entertain such a 
thought, so come, Lindsley, let’s be off.” 

“You are not going back to the mine 
to-night, are you?” asked Rosabelle. 

“Why, yes, that’s nothing of a walk,” said 
Mr. Lindsley; “and by the way, young 
ladies, we will have to forego the pleasure of 
returning home with you ; we are needed 
here.” 

The girls tendered their regrets and, with 
a cheery “Good night,” they retired into the 
house. 

Before leaving for home next day, Mr. 
Drisco wished to purchase some articles from 
the company store; so the girls went with him. 
Here they again met Mr. Griscom, who was 

68 


The Ram' s Horn Mine 


exceedingly attentive, and presented them 
with a large box of candy, — “To console 
yourselves going home,” he said. 

Mr. Griscom was pleasant to everybody; but 
his gaze would rest on Ena with a look in his 
eyes not to be misunderstood, which that 
young woman resented, and she was rejoiced 
when they left. 


69 


CHAPTER XI 


Ranch Life 

“Look, Fanny, there comes Rosabelle,” 
announced Ena, as a buggy drove up and the 
young lady in question jumped out and tied 
her horse to the post. 

“Why, I’m so glad you’ve come, for I was 
beginning to wonder what had become of 
you,” welcomed Ena, as she hastened to meet 
her friend. 

“Well, you see we are busy at this season 
of the year, and it keeps me very much at 
home; but give us an account of yourself. 
Why haven’t you been to the ranch?” 

“The truth is Fanny has had so many 
boarders that I hadn’t the heart to leave her 
and Hilder.” 

“And why don’t you add, miss, that you 
have been having such a glorious time that 
poor Rosabelle had escaped your thoughts 
altogether.” 

“It wouldn’t do to tell all of one’s thoughts,” 
said Ena, laughingly; “but, dearie, it is not 
that bad. I have remembered you, and 

70 


Ranch Life 

we’ve had a good time too. Last Wednesday 
we went on a fishing-excursion to Challis 
Creek, and we took our lunch and fishing- 
tackle along. A funny thing happened. Of 
course, I ought not to laugh; but poor Mr. 
Griscom did look so very ridiculous. You 
see, we were all fishing and my line happened 
to catch on a snag from which I could not 
disentangle it; so Mr. Griscom stepped out 
on a pole which was in the creek, and, just 
as he loosened the line, the pole turned and 
the poor fellow got a ducking. He looked 
so funny, Rosabelle, that it was all I could do 
to keep from laughing out loud.” 

“Why, Ena, weren’t you ashamed, and he 
so gallant, too!” 

“No, I wasn’t. I do wish he would turn 
his attentions in some other direction; for, 
really, they are not appreciated by me, and 
what distresses me most of all is that he is so 
presuming.” 

“Why, has he presumed to propose?” 
asked Rosabelle, laughing. 

“Indeed he has not. I’ve not given him 
a chance; but he is complacently waiting, for 
he feels sure I will bite at his golden bait. 
If he only knew it, his money has no attraction 
for me. I cannot endure the man.” 

71 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

“Never mind, dear, you don’t have to 
marry him, that’s a comfort, so let’s forget 
his existence and talk of something else; for 
instance, what brought me down here this 
lovely afternoon. I had a motive in coming, 
and it is this: Mamma is going to Challis to 
spend a few days with Mrs. Spencer, who is 
quite sick; so she told me to ask you to stay 
with me while she’s gone. Will you come?” 

“Certainly, for I want to see what ranch- 
life is like.” 

“Then get ready, for I must be back by 
five o’clock to cook supper.” 

“And I’ll help you. How jolly, although 
I am not much in the culinary department; 
but I can pare the vegetables and set the 
table and such like.” 

“Hush,” said Rosabelle, laughingly, “you 
don’t know what accomplishments you have 
in that line, until you try. I mean to give 
you a chance to distinguish yourself.” 

“I pity those who will have to eat my first 
trial,” laughed Ena, as she left the room to 
ask Fanny’s permission to go. 

In a short time, the two girls got into the 
buggy and drove off, and one, at least, of the 
young men who watched their departure, 
felt that all charms had vanished for him, so 

72 



The two girls got into the buggy and drove off. 



















































Ranch Life 

he determined to leave the Springs the next 
day. That was Mr. Aldrich. 

Ena chattered gaily as she rode along the 
wild sage-brush road with her friend, never 
giving a thought to the possible heartaches 
she was leaving behind her. 

“What beautiful sunsets you have in this 
Western country, Rosabelle. I have sat on 
the porch at the Springs and watched the sun 
sinking in a blaze of white light behind the 
far-off purple tint of the mountains. The 
valley here lay already in the dim shade. 
Only the high top of some barn caught the 
level rays and glared for a moment, like a 
house aflame. Then the sun dropped sud- 
denly and the west grew pale, the dim shade 
crept up quickly, stealthily, over the mountain 
side and trees.” 

“Yes, Nature is portrayed here in all her 
phases, which are beautiful to contemplate,” 
answered Rosabelle. 

“Did you ever attend school in that little 
log building, Rosabelle? It would seem so 
queer to be taught in a place like that.” 

“Yes, I did, and many a good time I had 
there too. See that hill ? Well, in the winter, 
when the snow was hard, we would coast 
down it.” 


73 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

“O what fun! I never coasted in my life, 
but I should like to.” 

“You shall this winter, if there’s snow 
enough; but you must be very careful at first 
or you will go so fast you’ll land on your 
head. You have to first learn to steer the 
sled, then it will come easy for you.” 

“ Are the winters very cold here, Rosabelle ?” 

“Sometimes we have it thirty below zero; 
but then we don’t mind it much, for a person’s 
blood thickens so in a climate like this that 
they don’t feel the cold.” 

“O my, I shall freeze to death while mine 
is thickening,” laughed Ena; “for I am such 
a cold body, anyhow.” 

“No, you won’t; you’ll get used to the 
weather and like it. Well, here we are, at 
the ranch. We will drive to the corral, as 
I don’t see any of the boys.” 

“Any of the boys! Why, I thought you 
only had one brother.” 

“So I have; but some of the neighboring 
young men, whom we call cowboys, are here, 
and you can see them brand some cattle and 
break broncos, if you like.” 

“Won’t that be fine! Then I can write 
South and astonish the folks with my startling 
descriptions.” 


74 


Ranch Life 

Rosabelle’s brother, John Pettibone, met 
them at the corral gate, which he opened for 
them to pass through. His sister presented 
him to Ena, and the cut of the man was not 
at all to her fancy; for she saw before her, a 
tall, lanky young fellow, very homely to look 
upon, and so awkward — so different from his 
sister, thought Ena, — with a pair of queer 
blue trousers on, which she afterward found 
out were overalls, and a wide-brimmed hat. 
Nevertheless, she spoke pleasantly to him, 
which made him somewhat more at ease. 

“ I jest got home from taking Ma to Challis, 
Rosabelle, and I found Bill Davis and Tim 
Snyder he’er. They air going to help with 
them cattle and them two broncos, what we 
want to break.” 

“O what grammar!” thought Ena to her- 
self, while Rosabelle’s face flushed with annoy- 
ance, as she said: 

“Well, John, I suppose they’ll be here to 
supper, so we will hurry and get it ready.” 

“No rush about it, Rosabelle, you jest take 
your time; them fellows can wait jest as well 
as not.” 

“O dear!” said Rosabelle, as she and Ena 
were walking toward the house, “I am so 
ashamed of John sometimes; for he is sadly 

75 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

lacking in his education. He would not study 
and this is the consequence. He might have 
done better had not Mamma taken his part and 
said he didn’t need any ‘book laming/ as 
she expressed it. She didn’t have any and 
she got along just as well without it, and 
the mistakes she makes sometimes are dread- 
ful; but I suppose you have noticed them by 
this time,” and Rosabelle’s bright eyes filled 
with tears. 

“Never mind, dear,” comforted Ena, en- 
circling her friend’s waist, “I can imagine 
what a trial it must be for you; but we don’t 
think any the less of you for it. It is only one 
of those unhappy occurrences which come up 
in life, and must be borne bravely.” 

“ Thank you, Ena, for your encouragement, 
and now I will try and not let it annoy me. 
Here we are at the house, welcome to our 
home,” and Rosabelle kissed her friend fondly. 

“How nice it is inside!” exclaimed Ena, 
as she entered the kitchen, then the large 
dining-room and the spare bed-room. The 
dining-room opened on to a delightful porch; 
a sitting-room and two other bed-rooms com- 
pleted the house. 

“You have plenty of room, haven’t you?” 
said Ena. 


76 


Ranch Life 


“Yes, it is a delightfully comfortable home. 
Papa has spared no expense to make it con- 
venient, and, now, if you are ready, we will 
proceed to get supper for the men.” 

They went to work in earnest and soon had 
everything in readiness and 



First to answer the call 


father, to whom Ena was introduced. The 
latter saw, at a glance, where her friend 
derived her refinement of manner. Then 
came Bill Davis and Tim Snyder. For a 
while the meal threatened to be a very silent 
one; but soon Rosabelle broke the spell by 
asking : 

“ Bill, what has become of your two hounds ? 
I have not seen them for a long while.” 

“And you never will again, Miss Rosabelle, 
for they are both dead.” 

“Can that be possible!” exclaimed the girl. 
“ Do tell me how it happened.” 

“Well, you see, Silas Ray and myself were 
out camping one night and the dogs had 
wandered off quite a distance, when we heard 
a coyote cry, as if in pain. I said to Silas, 
with a laugh: 

“‘The hounds are making quick work of 
that fellow all right.’ But, Miss Rosabelle, 
I laughed too soon, for, immediately after, I 


77 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

saw the hounds making for camp; and would 
you believe it! there clung a panther on the 
back of one, while the other was trying to 
tear him off. It was the work of a moment 
to seize my rifle and put a bullet through 
the animal’s head; but too late to save my 
dog, for he died of his wounds soon after.” 

“O, wasn’t that sad! I know how dread- 
fully you must have felt,” said Rosabelle. 
“But how do you suppose it happened?” 

“The dogs must have run down the coyote 
and were tormenting him, and the panther 
must have crept upon them unawares, and 
caught the dog; for, had they had a fair show, 
I know they could have killed him.” 

“And the other one, what became of him?” 

“He simply died of a broken heart, Miss 
Rosabelle; his grief was pitiable to see. I did 
everything in my power to help him, but it 
was no use. He pined away and died.” 

“How they must have loved each other!” 
exclaimed Ena. 

“They did, Miss Graham,” said Bill Davis, 
“as much as human beings could ever love. 
I raised them from pups and they had always 
been together. I felt safe no matter where I 
went, with Bluster and Fluster along.” 

“You certainly must miss them awfully,” 

78 


Ranch Life 


said the girl. 

“ More than I ever cared to acknowledge,” 
he answered; “for, even now, when I enter 
my cabin, a feeling of loneliness possesses me, 
which I can scarcely overcome.” 

“It was a streak of hard luck,” remarked 
Tim Snyder, “and no mistake about it.” 

“Tell Ena, Bill, how Bluster and Fluster 
saved your life last winter.” 

“It was this way: I was out hunting cattle 
and the snow w r as pretty deep, so I got off my 
horse and climbed a tree to view the country 
’round. While there, I heard my dogs bark, 
but was so interested looking through my 
field-glasses that I paid no heed to them, until 
they stood right under me, barking furiously. 
I looked down and, to my horror, I saw a 
large bear climbing toward me. What was I 
to do? I was spellbound with terror. Up, 
up came Bruin, until he was within but a few 
feet of me, then my tongue seemed loosed, 
and I let such a yell out of me as would have 
made a Comanche Indian ashamed of him- 
self. It frightened the bear so, that he let 
go and fell to the ground. Then it was, the 
dogs took care of him and I was able to get 
my rifle; so, between us all, we made quick 
work of the beast.” 


79 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

“What narrow escapes you men have with 
your lives,” said Ena, shuddering. “If that 
had been a woman, she would have fainted 
and that would have been the last of her.” 

“But a woman would hardly have been up 
a tree out on the lonely mountain side, Miss 
Ena,” suggested John Pettibone. 

“That’s even so,” she answered. 

Thus the conversation flowed on, when 
presently Snyder said : 

“Did any of you ever see a coyote hunting 
antelope kids?” 

“No,” replied Bill Davis, “tell us about it.” 

“Once, when I was riding along the foot- 
hills in Antelope Valley, I saw a coyote coming 
out of one of the gulches. I watched the 
cunning animal, as it trotted out on the flat 
and began to quarter the ground like a hunting 
dog; yet, every moment or two, it would stop 
and look towards the hills, as if afraid of 
something that was coming. Pretty soon I 
saw a doe antelope galloping over the hills, 
coming full tilt toward the coyote. 

“As soon as the coyote saw the doe, he 
made for the hills ; but the antelope caught up 
with him and struck him with her hoof. Gee! 
how that coyote did yell with pain, and I 
was that hard-hearted that I stood there and 

80 


Ranch Life 

saw the doe finish him. I soon found what 
the coyote was after; for I came across two 
kids a little distance from there.” 

“Are antelope kids ever tamed?” asked 
Ena. “ I should think they would make such 
graceful pets.” 

“Yes,” answered Rosabelle’s father, who, 
up to this time, had been a quiet listener to 
all that was being said. “ I had a friend who 
caught one for his boys; but, when it grew up, 
it was so rough and destructive they sold him.” 

“ Why didn’t they kill him ? Are they not 
good eating, Mr. Pettibone?” asked Ena. 

“Yes, very good; but you see it was such a 
pet, the boys couldn’t bear the thought.” 

“Of course, I ought to have known that 
was the reason,” said Ena, impatient at her 
own stupidity. 

“Never mind,” soothed Rosabelle, laugh- 
ingly, “we seldom think of the correct thing 
to say at the right time, Ena.” 

Thus the meal passed very pleasantly, and, 
when the girls had finished their night’s work, 
they sat on the porch until bedtime. 


81 


CHAPTER XII 


Ranch Life (Continued) 

Ena’s sleep was sweet and dreamless on 
this, her first night on the ranch. Awaking 
next morning, she looked out of her window 
and saw a field of waving grain, beyond 
which were low foot-hills, which gradually 
towered into high mountains. She arose, and, 
after performing her toilet, she entered the 
kitchen. There, to her amazement, she found 
breakfast nearly ready. 

“Why didn’t you call me, RosabelleP I 
wanted to help you.” 

“ I hadn’t the heart to disturb you ; you were 
sleeping so peacefully.” 

“ The air here is so invigorating that it woos 
slumber.” 

“Thanks in behalf of our atmosphere,” 
answered Rosabelle. 

Stepping to the kitchen-door, Ena saw 
before her a log house and asked what it 
was. 

“That is the bunk-house, where the men 
sleep,” Rosabelle answered. 

82 


Ranch Life 

“Doesn’t the sun look gorgeous, Rosabelle, 
as it rises from behind those mountains, 
flooding the landscape with its yellow rays?” 

“It does indeed,” said her friend. “Often 
I stand there and watch it slowly rise, until 
the brightness becomes too blinding.” 

“ What is that row of buildings to the right, 
Rosabelle ?” 

“ They are our chicken-houses, and beyond 
them are the stable and corrals.” 

By one of these corrals some calves were 
standing, looking through the bars and now 
and then bawling to the cows, which were 
being milked within. Behind the house, Ena 
could see a number of horses being driven by 
a man on horseback into the corrals. 

“Ring the bell, Ena, won’t you please?” 
asked Rosabelle. 

“You mean sound the curfew, don’t you, 
from the size of it?” 

“I suppose so; I have been told that you 
can hear that bell for a distance of two miles.” 

“ I don’t doubt that in the least, it has such 
a sonorous sound.” Here both girls com- 
menced laughing, and had just time to 
straighten their faces, as the men entered 
the door and passed into the dining-room. 

“What are you all going to do to-day, 

83 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

John?” asked Rosabelle. 

“Have a meeting in Antelope Valley, to 
decide about the round-up. But, first of all, 
we will brand some calves, then Bill, there, 
is going to try his fine saddle-horse; ain’t you, 
Bill?” 

“That’s what, if he don’t pile me.” 

“Which one is it, Bill?” asked Rosabelle. 

“That sorrel colt, which you admired so 
much, Miss Rosabelle.” 

“ Why, he is just off the range, Bill, and as 
wild as a deer.” 

“We’ll find some way to tame him down, 
see if we don’t.” 

Ena sat listening to this conversation, 
which interested her very much. 

“Well, Ena,” said Rosabelle, “you will 
have the pleasure of seeing a bronco ridden.” 

“Will he buck, Mr. Davis?” 

“ I rather guess he will, unless he’s different 
from others I’ve been on.” 

“ I am so glad ! ” exclaimed the girl. “ That’s 
if he doesn’t hurt .you; for I am so anxious 
to see what you Westerners call a ‘bucking 
cayuse.’” 

“You’ll not be disappointed in this chap, 
I think, Miss Graham; for he comes of a 
bucking stock,” said Mr. Davis. 

84 


Ranch Life 

The meal being finished, John said, as he 
arose from the table: 

“Bring Miss Ena and let her see us catch 
our horses, Rosabelle. I think she’ll like it.” 

“Come, dear, we can clean up afterward; 
it is such fun to watch them.” 

“Let’s clear the table first, Rosabelle, then 
we can go.” 

This they did, then scampered off, walking 
toward the big pen into which the horses had 
been driven. Before they had reached it, 
however, a cloud of dust arose from it. The 
girls climbed upon the top rail of the corral 
fence and saw all the horses huddled in a 
corner. One was following Tim Snyder with 
a rope around its neck. 

“ O pshaw ! we missed seeing them rope that 
horse,” said Ena, vexatiously. 

“Have patience,” answered Rosabelle, 
“they will catch another one.” 

Soon they saw Bill Davis walk toward the 
horses, which began circling round the corral. 
He held a long rope in both hands, the part 
in his left hand being in a small coil, while, 
from his right hand, a long loop trailed 
behind him in the dust. Suddenly he threw 
his right hand forward; the large loop flew 
out and settled over the head of a bay horse 

85 


In the Mountain’ s Shadow 


that was galloping past. 

“How nicely that was done!” said Ena, 
whose face was the picture of excitement. 

The cowboy, hearing her, turned and raised 
his hat in token of acknowledgment. 

“ That is what we call lassoing cayuses, 
Ena,” explained Rosabelle, “and the rope is 
called a lasso.” 

“I’ll soon be initiated into the mysteries of 
ranching,” laughed Ena. “What is next on 
the program, Mr. Pettibone?” 

“I think Bill intends taking a turn on his 
bronco. How’s that, Bill? Are you ready 
to be shaked up a bit?” 

“Yes, anything to please the ladies,” he 
answered, “even to trying to get my neck 
broke.” 

“O is there any danger of your being hurt, 
Mr. Davis?” anxiously asked Ena. 

“Can’t always tell, Miss Graham, just 
how a man will come out who rides the 
hurricane-deck of a wild cay use.” 

“But you are not afraid, are you?” per- 
sisted the girl. 

“Come now, Bill,” protested John Petti- 
bone, “stop that there guying Miss Ena, jest 
to have her pity you.” 

“All right, John,” and turning to Ena he said : 

86 


Ranch Life 


“No, miss, I’m not a bit afraid. I have 
ridden many of them, and so far, none have 
gotten the best of me.” 

Thus reassured, Ena was all eagerness 
to see the novel sight. The wild sorrel colt 
trotted ’round the corral, holding his head 
high and ears forward. His neck was arched, 
his coat shone in the sun, and his long tail 
almost swept the ground. 

“What a beautiful animal!” exclaimed 
Ena, who was a great lover of horses. “I 
don’t wonder you want to break him to ride. 
But, Mr. Davis, he’s too pretty to be made 
common use of; he ought to belong to a 

lady.” 

“Perhaps he will. Miss Graham,” said 
Bill, with an unmistakable glance at Rosa- 
belle, who paid not the least attention to it, 
and Ena thought it mean, for the cowboy 
turned toward his horse again, with the 
mounting color mantling his cheek. 

Bill stepped forward with a rope and 
swung the loop about his head. This made 
the frightened horse break into a gallop. In 
a moment, the loop of the rope flew out and 
the young horse was standing on his hind 
feet, pawing the air with the forefeet, which 
were held together by the rope. 

87 


In the Mountain 9 s Shadow 

“ Wasn’t that splendidly done?” exclaimed 
Ena. “But look at him now, surely that 
horse will break that rope and tread on those 
men! What courage men have, anyway.” 

Rosabelle only laughed at her friend’s 
enthusiasm; for, this being so old a sight to 
her, she saw nothing very extraordinary about 
it. 

The young horse was terrified now. In 
vain, he tried to free himself from the rope. 
He reared again and again on his hind feet, 
even walking on them. Then he came down 
on all fours and tried to run; but this he was 
unable to do. Soon the men pulled the rope, 
he lost his balance, and fell to the ground. 
The men kept the rope taut, and Bill, letting 
go, ran swiftly to the animal’s head and sat 
on it. Then they tied all four feet together 
and stood back, looking at him. 

“He’s a good’un,” said John Pettibone; 
“he’ll make a rousing good saddle-horse.” 

“Now, what are you going to do, Mr. 
Davis?” asked Ena. “You can’t ride him 
tied up in that manner.” 

“I don’t intend to try, Miss Graham,” he 
replied, with a laugh; “but wait a moment 
and you’ll see what comes next.” 

“I wish I weren’t so impatient,” said Ena 

88 


Ranch Life 

to Rosabelle; “you all laugh at me.” 

“No, we don’t, dear; it is only your excite- 
ment that amuses us. Look, here comes 
Bill with his saddle, bridle, hackamore, and 
quirt. Let’s watch what he is going to do.” 

He laid these things on the ground, then 
walked up to the horse, and tied a strip of 
black leather over his eyes. 

“Let him loose, boys,” directed Bill, and 
the horse stood on his feet. At first, he didn’t 
offer to move, and Bill went up to him and 
patted him on the back and neck, and worked 
around him a good deal. Then he took his 
saddle-blanket and held it under the horse’s 
nose, so he might smell it. The horse flinched 
and snorted whenever it touched him, but 
seemed to be losing his fear, for he again 
stood still. 

Soon the cowboy began to fold the blanket 
and toss it on the horse’s back. The animal 
made a sidewise motion, but let the blanket 
remain there. Then he put his saddle on, 
letting down the stirrups and cinch gently, 
and cautiously tightened it. When the horse 
felt the tightening of the broad band, it 
squealed with fright and kicked viciously with 
its hind feet. 

Then Bill Davis raised himself slowly, 
89 


In the Mountain* s Shadow 

until his full weight rested on it, and threw 
his leg over the saddle and settled himself 
firmly in the seat. The two other men jumped 
on their horses and took a position on either 
side of the bronco rider. Then the latter 
reached forward and pulled off the blind. 

Ena bent forward when this was done, and 
Rosabelle thought she had never seen such 
a picture of suppressed excitement, as Ena 
said: 

“What will that horse do? How can any 
man take his life in his own hands that way 
and, as it were, dare Providence ?” 

“You must not take that view of the 
situation, Ena,” said her companion. “Sup- 
pose all men were afraid to break horses; 
there would be none to either ride or drive.” 

“That’s so; but do look, Rosabelle, how 
that animal is plunging and rearing. He will 
surely throw that man.” 

“He won’t, for Bill is an experienced rider; 
but now you see a bucking horse, Ena. Look 
how he lowers his head and puts his feet 
together, jumping up in the air clear of the 
ground and coming down stiff-legged ; notice, 
too, how his rider sits immovable in his 
saddle.” 

“Yes, it is really marvelous how unconcerned 
90 


Ranch Life 

he is. Now I believe there are men just fitted 
for every known occupation in the world.” 

The bucking had ceased, and, as the colt 
found he was unable to get rid of the terrible 
weight on his back, he started off on a run 
across the flat. 

“O dear!” exclaimed Ena, as she saw the 
horse tearing toward the mountains, “how 
terrible it must be to be shaken up in that 
manner. I don’t see how the men endure it, 
Rosabelle.” 

“You will be surprised to hear then, that 
there are girls in this valley who really de- 
light in breaking horses.” 

“Is that a fact? Well, it all depends on 
the environment of a person.” 

“ So it does, dear,” answered her friend ; “ and 
now we had better hasten to the house and 
straighten things up, for it is most time to 
prepare dinner. The boys won’t leave now 
until the afternoon.” 

“Really these few hours, Rosabelle, have 
been the most exciting I ever spent; and how 
I have enjoyed them, even if my heart was in 
my mouth more than half the time. So I am 
ready to settle down for a while and wait for 
what comes next.” 

“You won’t enjoy branding, Ena; but, for 
91 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

the novelty of the thing, I want you to see it.” 

“ Well, don’t tell me about it first, Rosabelle.” 

“ I have no such intention, for I am certain, 
should I initiate you, that I wouldn’t get you 
out to the corral.” 

The afternoon was spent in roaming over 
the ranch, and the girls had great fun, hunting 
for eggs that were hidden in the haystacks, 
where the hens had laid them. 

“Rosabelle, what is that long pole I see 
over there by that farthest haystack?” 

“That is what is called a one-pole derrick; 
with an arm, it unloads the hay from the 
wagons and it saves a great deal of time and 
labor. There are also two-pole derricks in 
the country.” 

“It’s remarkable the number of different 
labor-saving machines that are constantly 
being invented. Do you have the steam- 
thrashers here, Rosabelle? I saw one once 
when I was in Virginia. I was riding in a 
buggy with a gentleman, when I heard some- 
thing that sounded like a locomotive on a 
train, and I said: 

“‘Are we near a railroad, Mr. Wilder?’ 

“‘No, Miss Ena, that is a steam-thrasher, 
and furthermore, my horse will scare at it, 
and run. Are you afraid?’ 

92 


Ranch Life 


“‘No , 5 I answered, ‘if the harness is good. 
I love fast driving.’ 

‘“The entire outfit is new. Miss Ena,’ he 
said. 

“There happened to be two persons on 
horseback just ahead of us, and, as they went 
to pass the thrasher, I saw the lady’s horse 
shy and throw her over a fence, which was 
near-by.” 

“Oh, how dreadful!” exclaimed Rosabelle. 
“Was she hurt?” 

“ We never ascertained, for, at that moment, 
our horse took fright and tore along the road. 
He ran about two miles before he quieted 
down.” 

“You had quite an experience with a steam- 
thrasher,” said Rosabelle. “ We use the 
horse-power here and will, I presume, until 
a railroad runs through this country.” 


93 


CHAPTER XIII 


Mrs. Pettibone’s Return 

The next two days passed quietly; for the 
men were out on the round-up and there was 
no one at the ranch but the girls and Mr. 
Pettibone, who, being a very quiet man, had 
little to say. But the third day brought Mrs. 
Pettibone home, her husband having gone 
to Challis after her. 

“Now,” thought Ena, “there will be no 
lack of conversation.” 

Sure enough, just as Mrs. Pettibone entered 
the house, she commenced talking. 

“Well, I do declare,” she said, as she held 
out her hand to Ena. “I is so glad to find 
you he’er. I imagined as how you’d be having 
such a good time at the Springs, that you’d 
not want to come out here. How do you like 
ranching ? ” 

“I am charmed, I can assure you, Mrs. 
Pettibone,” answered Ena; “everything is so 
new and interesting.” Here she related what 
had happened. 

“Yes, that must have been a sight for city 
94 


Mrs. Pettibone’s Return 

folks. Now, we don’t pay no attention to 
sech things, they be so common to us.” 

“Well, Mamma, won’t you take off your 
hat and stay a while?” laughingly said 
Rosabelle, for the old lady had forgotten to 
remove it on entering the house. 

“Yes, dear, and O Rosabelle, poor Mrs. 
Spencer was so sick. Why, the night I got 
there, she was in sech pain that the doctor 
had to put an epidemic in each arm of mor- 
phine, before she’d git quiet.” 

“ Why, Mother, you mean hypodermic, 
don’t you?” 

“Yes, child, I knowed it was some kind of 
a ’mic and I didn’t think it made no difference 
which.” 

“Is she better now, Mrs. Pettibone?” 
asked Ena. 

“O yes, she is getting along now; the doctor 
says she will be all right if she doesn’t take an 
onset and get a collapse.” 

“A backset and a relapse,” corrected Rosa- 
belle. 

“Yes, sure; poor dear,” said Mrs. Petti- 
bone, turning to Ena, “ Rosabelle has a 
dreadful time with her mother’s mistakes; 
but I tells her to let them alone. People 
knows what I mean anyhow, and it don’t 

95 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 
make no difference.” 

“But, Mother, I can’t help it, you make 
such ridiculous ones.” 

“ Never mind if I do ; jest you let them alone. 

“Mrs. Scott, too, has been very sick. She 
had sech a fright about her baby swallowing 
a piece of glass that it gave her the nervous 
sensations, and she had to have the doctor.” 

Here Rosabelle looked at Ena and sighed, 
but she only said: 

“I am sorry she has been so ill. Did the 
glass hurt the child?” 

“No, and the most wonderful thing of all 
was that the baby passed it without it doing 
no damage.” 

“That was a narrow escape for the child,” 
said Ena. 

“Well, Mamma, any more Challis news?” 

“Yes, you love flowers so, that this will 
interest you, Rosabelle. Mr. Weber told me 
that Mrs. Carpenter had seen an advertise 
in a paper about an electric plant, and that 
she had sent for one, and, if it growed, she 
was going to give Mrs. Weber a slip and she 
would give us one too.” 

This was too much for the girls to stand, 
and they both burst out laughing. 

“ Well,” said the old lady, indignantly, 

96 


Mrs. Pettibone’s Return 

“I’ll tell you two no more,” and she flounced 
out of the room. 

“ Come back, Mamma, and let us explain,” 
said Rosabelle, as she gently forced her mother 
back into her chair. She then told her what 
an electric plant was. 

“I do declare, how stupid some folks be 
anyways. By the way, I he’rd a disgraceful 
thing about Mrs. Sanders. She sent for a 
lot of goods to Mrs. Bill Jones’s store, and, 
at the bottom, she put, ‘Send Bill.’ 

“You never saw any one so mad as Mrs. 
Jones was. She said, indeed she wouldn’t 
send Bill, and Mr. Sanders not at home, 
and they had quite a time about it. Some 
women haven’t got no shame.” 

“ O Mamma, there wasn’t anything in that,” 
said Rosabelle. 

“Nothing in that! Why, child, you don’t 
know what you’re talking about. One woman 
wanting another woman’s husband! I like 
to know what could be worse.” 

“But Mrs. Sanders didn’t want Mrs. Jones’s 
husband; she only wanted the amount of her 
goods, the bill for them.” 

“Well, well, Mrs. Jones ought to have 
known that and not made such a scene. 
That is surely funny, no wonder you laughed.” 

97 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

Ena happened to glance out of the window 
at that moment, and, seeing a lot of cattle 
coming out of the canyon, she said: 

“Look, Rosabelle, what’s coming.” 

“It’s the boys on the round-up. I wonder 
how many there are.” 

“We’ll have to find out, Rosabelle,” said 
her mother, “when John comes, so we’ll 
know jest how much supper to git. Why, 
there’s John now, coming to the house.” 

“Well, Mother, you back again? Glad to 
see you,” and he laid his hand affectionately 
on her shoulder. 

“Yes, and glad I be too; there’s no place 
like home.” 

“You bet,” he answered, then turning to 
his sister, he remarked: 

“ I suppose you’ll be glad to see six hungry 
cowboys for supper, Rosabelle?” 

“O I don’t mind, for we’ve got plenty of 
help now,” turning a roguish glance on Ena. 

“Yes, I can help lots, can’t I?” she 
answered. 

“Why, of course, Miss Ena, you can help 
— help entertain us; that’s task enough for 
you,” said John. 

“ I intend making myself more useful 
than that, Mr. Pettibone,” she replied. 

98 


Mrs. Pettibone’s Return 

The supper-table that night was consider- 
ably longer than usual, and, after the meal 
was finished, the boys went to feed the horses. 

“Ena,” said Rosabelle, as they were finish- 
ing their work, “would you mind if I asked 
those young fellows to join us on the porch 
this evening?” 

“ Certainly not, and we will have them 
tell us some interesting stories about this sort 
of life.” 

“Some of them are equal to spinning good 
yarns, as they call it, if they are not too 
bashful.” 

“I will be so pleasant to them, that they 
will forget I’m a stranger,” said Ena. 

“You’re equal to it, so I feel sure you will 
hear some adventures to-night.” 

When Rosabelle extended the invitation, 
it was readily accepted by the cowboys, and 
soon the conversation became general. Ena, 
with tact, was bringing them out and leading 
them toward the object she had in view. 
Finally she said: 

“ Have any of you gentlemen ever had 
an experience with wild beasts on your tours 
through the mountains ?” 

A young fellow by the name of George 
Ford spoke up: 


99 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

“I’ll tell you, Miss Graham, that Jim 
Evans had as narrow an escape as ever he’ll 
have, without going for good. Tell them 
about it, Jim.” 

“Well, it happened this way. It was long 
past noon when George and I entered Thou- 
sand Spring Valley and went up into the 
mountains after some cattle. The country 
was exceedingly rough and rugged. As we 
were climbing one of the foot-hills, there 
arose from a shelf in the rocks a long, slim, 
yellow animal, which began to sneak away 
up the drawer. 

“ ‘There’s a mountain lion, Jim,’ said 
George. ‘Don’t let us molest him.’ 

“I answered: ‘All right,’ when just then 
our confounded dogs saw him and gave 
chase. The lion ran up the mountain side 
and climbed a tree. I drew up my horse 
and fired at the animal, who stood facing 
me, snarling. As the gun went off, the lion 
prepared to swing from the tree toward me, 
when George saw him and screamed: 

“‘For God’s sake, spur your horse, Jim,’ 
which I did and only in the nick of time, for 
the lion fell just where I and my horse had 
stood. My shot, though, had proved fatal, 
for the lion was dead when we reached him.” 

100 


Mrs. Pettibone’s Return 

“What a narrow escape that was for you, 
Mr. Evans. Weren’t you frightened?” asked 
Ena. 

“Indeed I was shaking in my boots for a 
while, Miss Graham; but after the danger 
has passed, we cowboys think no more about 

“I guess not,” said Ena, “for you all face 
danger coolly and calmly.” 

“ Ena has witnessed the breaking of a 
bronco and it has raised the cowboy in her 
estimation, as far as courage is concerned,” 
volunteered Rosabelle. 

“Yet we are a cowardly set, when it comes 
to the ladies,” answered George Ford. 

“I suppose the reason of that is,” said Ena, 
“that we can answer back and the animal 
can’t.” 

“You are right, Miss Graham, and it is 
just that reply which scares us out,” he said. 

“You remember, Harry,” asked John Petti- 
bone, “what a time we had with that cow 
and the coyotes ?” 

“ I rather say I do.” 

“Please tell us about it, Mr. Pettibone.” 

John smiled at Ena’s eagerness to listen 
to their stories, then said : 

“A cow with her calf had left the bunch, 

101 


In the Mountain’s Shadow 

and, when we found her, coyotes were after 
her calf; and would you believe, that fool 
critter wanted to fight us for driving the 
coyotes away. I always did say that they 
be senseless animals.” 

“It seems to me,” said Ena, “that a cow 
ought to drive off the coyotes herself.” 

“That’s right, Miss Ena,” agreed John, 
“if the cow would show some sense; but it 
seems she loses what little she has, when the 
coyotes attack her little one.” 

“Isn’t that like the female sex in general,” 
laughed Rosabelle; “her senses leave her just 
when she needs them the most.” 

“On the other hand, Miss Rosabelle, if 
she were brave and courageous, we men would 
not have the pleasure of thinking we were 
necessary to her for protection,” said Bill 
Davis. 

“Bully for you, Bill,” said John Pettibone; 
“but to go on with my story. You see it is 
this way, the coyotes gits ’round the cow 
and calf, then first one then another makes 
a dash at the cow and tries to make her mad, 
or to scare her calf away from her. If the calf 
leaves its mother, it gits a bite, and the cow 
gits mad and begins to chase the coyotes. 
Very likely the calf gits left behind and gits 
102 


Mrs. Pettibone’s Return 

pulled down. The only safe place for a 
calf is by its mother’s side.” 

“Well, now, after all, the cow is placed in 
a dreadful predicament; no wonder her senses 
leave her. I should think most anybody’s 
would under such trying circumstances,” 
resented Ena. 

Each of the cowboys told some interesting 
adventure that had befallen him and it was 
near midnight before they retired. As the 
good-nights were being said, Rosabelle asked: 

“May we come to the corral to-morrow 
morning and see you brand?” 

“By all means, if you can stand the shock,” 
said Jim Evans. 

“We will try,” answered Ena, “for I have 
never seen it done.” 

Next morning the girls went to the corrals 
and saw some of the men carrying wood to 
the big corral, close to the fence. Some were 
building fires, while others were chopping 
poles and logs to burn in them. A number 
of long-handled iron bars stood against the 
fence, each with some kind of a design on it. 

“Those are the branding irons,” explained 
Rosabelle, on having her attention called to 
them by Ena; “see, they will heat them in 
the fire.” 


103 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

The men had driven a bunch of cows 
with their calves into the corral. Two men 
with ropes now entered and threw them over 
a calf. Then some of the men quickly dragged 
it out into the middle of the corral, threw it 
down, and put the red-hot iron on it. The 
hair and skin hissed under the hot iron and 
smoke arose; then they let it get up and it 
ran to its mother. 

“That’s enough branding for me!” cried 
Ena. “I can’t stand by and look at those 
poor creatures tortured in that manner.” 

“ Well, how else could the owners tell 
their cattle apart?” defended Rosabelle; “it 
does seem cruel, but it is the custom.” 

As the girls turned to leave the corral. 
Bill Davis called out: 

“What! you are not going so soon?” 

“Yes, we are,” answered Ena. “I can’t 
endure any more of that sort of business.” 

They heard a general snicker from the 
men, as they proceeded toward the house. 

“Ena,” said Rosabelle, “would you like 
to take a ride to Challis this afternoon?” 

“Nothing would please me better.” 

“ Then we will go immediately after dinner. 
I will get Papa to hitch up for us.” 

They hurried through their work and soon 
104 



Bill Davis called out : “ What ! you are not going so soon ? ” 











































































































Mrs. Pettibone’s Return 

were driving up the valley, where the brilliant 
red and yellow flowers of the cactus dotted 
the ground, over which they traveled. Also 
the tiny pink blossom of the wild geranium 
could be seen thickly scattered on the slopes. 
The girls laughed and talked as they journeyed 
along, and Ena was really surprised when 
she caught a glimpse of the little town of 
Challis. 

“Where are you going first, Rosabelle?” 
Ena asked. 

“We will do some shopping, then I will 
take you to call on my friend, Mrs. Rainey, 
whose husband owns a number of sheep. 
You will find her pleasant, I know.” 

“All right, dear, anything for a good time,” 
answered Ena. 

Shopping over, Rosabelle went to visit 
Mrs. Rainey, who was overjoyed at seeing 
her, and glad of the opportunity of meeting 
Ena. 

“I called at the Springs yesterday,” said 
Mrs. Rainey, “and met your sister, who told 
me you were spending some time with Rosa- 
belle. How are you impressed with ranching ?” 

“It is all so new and novel,” answered 
Ena, “that I enjoy it very much; but, whether 
I’d like to live there and make it my home, 

105 


In the Mountain's Shadow 


is a question I would have to take under 
consideration.” 

“My opinion is,” said Rosabelle, “I don’t 
believe Ena is cut out for a rancher’s wife.” 

“Well, then, all the young cowboys will 
have to put a padlock on their hearts, so as 
not to have them escape in her direction,” 
said Mrs. Rainey. 

“ I am afraid she has already made a 
serious impression on half a dozen of them,” 
answered Rosabelle. 

“Now you know that’s an untruth, Rosa- 
belle,” said Ena; “for I only just met them.” 

“Never mind, girls, I have another subject 
to speak on and a proposition to make. 
Would you both like to visit the shearing- 
camp next week with me ?” 

Rosabelle answered: “Of course you know 
I will go. How about you, Ena P ” 

“It would be very enjoyable; but I must 
first ask permission, before laying any plans.” 

“As to that, Miss Ena,” said Mrs. Rainey, 
“ I spoke to Mrs. Drisco and she said she knew 
you would be delighted to go.” 

“It’s settled then. What day do you go, 
Mrs. Rainey?” 

“This is Friday, we leave next Thursday. 
You and Rosabelle can come up Wednesday 
106 


Mrs. Pettibone’s Return 

and stay all night with me, so we can get an 
early start.” 

This being satisfactorily arranged, the girls 
stayed and visited a while longer, then left 
for home. That night, as they were pre- 
paring for bed, Ena said: 

“I must leave in the morning, Rosabelle, 
as I have some sewing to do before I go to 
the shearing camp. I have had a delightful 
time and shall always remember my first 
experience in ranching.” 

U I hate to see you go,” said her friend; 
“it will be so awfully lonesome; but I can’t 
expect to keep you always.” 

“No, but it’s too bad you didn’t have a 
sister; she would have been so much company 
for you.” 

“She surely would. I asked Mamma once 
why she didn’t have another girl, and she 
said she was satisfied; so that ended the 
matter.” 

“It certainly did,” said Ena, laughing. 


107 


CHAPTER XIV 


An Unappreciated Present 

Early next morning, Rosabelle and Ena 
left for Drisco Springs. Hilder met them at 
the door, saying: 

“It’s a good thing that you returned to-day; 
for, if you hadn’t, Fanny and I could not 
have restrained our curiosity any longer 
and would have opened a large box which 
came by express in your name yesterday.” 

“ O where is it ? Quick, Hilder, I am 
dying to see what’s in it. Who do you think 
sent it?” 

“Wait, not so fast and I will show you 
where it is.” 

Here Fanny came to the door and welcomed 
them, saying: 

“ It is no use asking you if you had a good 
time, Ena, for I know you did.” 

“ Indeed yes, I saw and heard lots of things 
I never did before. What a lot of things I 
did learn, Rosabelle, now I come to think of 
it. But where is my box?” 

“That is what you are most interested 
108 


An Unappreciated Present 

in at present,” said Fanny; “come this way, 
there it is.” 

Ena opened it and found it filled with the 
most delicious fruit, but she also found Mr. 
Griscom’s card. 

“O pshaw, how provoking! I wish it 
was not from him. I do so dislike being 
under obligations to that man.” 

“Well, we can enjoy the fruit, then you 
can let him know how very distasteful his 
presents are to you,” suggested Hilder. “By 
the way, Mr. Lindsley, who is spending a 
while here, says that you can expect to see 
the sender of your gift any time; he heard 
you were expected home.” 

“O dear me, if that man only knew how 
I dislike him, he would stay away,” groaned 
Ena. “Actually, this fruit tastes sour, be- 
cause he sent it.” 

“For shame, Ena,” rebuked Fanny; “this 
is elegant,” helping herself to another peach. 

“All the same, I wish he had not been so 
generous; but come, girls, let’s go and take 
a bath and not talk of him.” 

They had a delightful plunge and after 
dinner Rosabelle left for home. 

That evening Hilder and Ena entertained 
a number of the miners, who were stopping 
109 


In the Mountain's Shadow 
at the Springs. 

“Please tell me something about mining,” 
asked Ena of Frank Walker to whom she 
had been talking. “I’ve heard so much 
about cattle and horses that I think a diversion 
would be enjoyable. I heard that there had 
been a big strike in L — district. Do you 
know anything about it?” 

“I rather guess I do, when I was among 
the first to get there after the find. Well, 
when the news was spread on the outside 
that there was a big thing on hand, the news- 
papers took it up, and, first thing we knew, 
there were experts in canvas leggings and 
corduroy pantaloons appearing on the scene. 
Now, if the quartz ledge that has been dis- 
covered is really as good as they think and 
contains high values, especially if it can be 
secured by the proposition men for a moder- 
ate sum, it is pronounced to be a true fisher 
vein to go down clear to Hades (pardon the 
remark) and carry high values.” 

“ What does the discoverer of a mine 
generally get for it?” inquired Hilder, who 
had become interested in the description. 

“Why, he gets enough money to get tipsy 
on, sometimes enough to get the delirium 
tremens, while there is a hot air boom extend- 

110 


An Unappreciated Present 

ing ’round about a radius of seventy or 
eighty miles.” 

“Is that the only way men in this country 
think of spending their money?” asked Ena, 
with a disgusted expression on her face. 

“Not exactly, Miss Ena,” answered Mr. 
Lindsley; “please give some of us credit for 
good common sense. I would be sorry to 
think of us all being so degraded as that. 
But I tell you what it is, it’s hard luck for a 
prospector to come out with the experience, 
while the company gets the gains.” 

“It really must be,” agreed Ena; “but 
pardon the interruption, Mr. Walker, and 
proceed.” 

“You will be very much more severe, Miss 
Ena, if I do,” resumed Frank Walker, with 
a twinkle in his eye. 

“Well, go ahead and let us be the judge,” 
she replied. 

“We prospectors thought that was the best 
thing for him; for, if he kept sober and tried 
to develop his prospect, he would die, either 
of old age or starvation.” 

“I don’t doubt that it is best for a poor 
man to sell his prospect rather than work it; 
but he ought to save his money and invest 
in something that will make a man of him, 

111 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

and not lower him to the level of a beast.” 

“That’s very true, Miss Ena,” acknowl- 
edged Mr. Walker; “but a prospector will 
not do that. He will either sink the money 
in the ground again, or into his stomach.” 

Here the whole party joined in a laugh, 
for the men knew just how true that was. 

“You ladies cannot realize how hard it 
is for a man to keep sober in a mining-camp,” 
explained Mr. Lindsley to Hilder; “for the 
first thing the boys do as you enter it, is to 
take you into a saloon and invite you to 
have a drink of bug juice, as they call whiskey. 
If you refuse, you incur the enmity of the 
entire community and you might as well 
get out; for you will never prosper there.” 

“Is it not a pity that man is his own enemy 
in that respect?” returned Hilder. “He 
knows the ruination and degradation that 
liquor brings upon him; yet he will insist, 
not only in bringing these terrible things 
on himself, but forces others to do the same.” 

“It does seem strange; but man is a peculiar 
being, Miss Hilder,” continued Mr. Lindsley. 
“I once knew a grand man. He was rough, 
unpolished, just as nature made him; but 
he was of granite hewn and the flaws of 
his superb manhood were those of finish, 
112 


An Unappreciated Present 

not of worth. He was odd in the eyes of 
the world; but, you know, from the blackest 
sand, sometimes, comes the purest gold. Well, 
he was restless and fearless, one of those 
who love to test their barge in the storm of 
life and feel the magic touch of the maddened 
waves. 

“But alas! we who were his friends, knew 
how stubbornly he fought against the fearful 
weakness of his life, and knew, too, how 
the battle was lost. The treacherous, climb- 
ing, clinging curse was barred, though, when 
it reached the recesses of his soul; it could 
not degrade his manhood, dull his sense of 
honor, or tarnish integrity, or drive the 
perfume of brotherly compassion from his 
generous breast. With all, he was a man 
to win your affections, if not your respect.” 

“O how sad!” exclaimed Ena. “Such a 
character is surely to be pitied, not blamed. 
But tell me, does the accursed taste for 
whiskey take such a hold on a man?” 

“So much so that he will go to the utter- 
most to obtain it.” 


113 


CHAPTER XV 


A Refusal 

Ena and Fanny were quietly conversing 
over the former’s prospective trip to the 
shearing camp, when Herbert entered the 
room and announced that Mr. Griscom had 
arrived. 

“It was a real pleasure, Ena, to see his 
countenance light up when I told him you 
were home.” 

“O dear, now I will have to entertain that 
detestable man,” she sighed. 

“Why, my dear little sister, he is a real 
good fellow, and he has the money! I can’t 
fathom your dislike for him.” 

“Money, in my estimation, Herbert, is not 
all; besides, there is something about the man 
that I distrust and dislike exceedingly. He 
reminds me of a cat charming a bird, only 
to its destruction.” 

“ What a horrible opinion you have of 
him, Ena!” said her sister. “But, feeling 
thus, you cannot like him.” 

“He is the dullest man I ever saw, for 
114 


A Refusal 

taking a hint. I have shown my aversion to 
him on various occasions and he seems 
utterly oblivious to it.” 

“Well, your only alternative, then, is to 
bring him to a focus,” laughed Herbert; 
“in other words, let him propose.” 

“ That’s not very good advice, my husband,” 
rebuked Fanny. 

“ What other course can she pursue, I 
should like to know, but that ?” he answered. 

“That is true; Ena dear, you are certainly 
in a dilemma,” admitted her sister. 

“It is a great nuisance to have a man in 
love with you whom you don’t like,” replied 
the girl. 

“Well, you can’t love them all, any more 
than you can marry them all, so you will 
have to put up with existing circumstances, 
sister mine,” suggested Herbert, as he went 
off, laughing. 

Next morning, as Ena was engaged with 
some housework, there came a knock at 
the door. On opening it, she was greeted 
by Mr. Griscom. 

“Good morning, Miss Ena. Are you too 
busy to come for a stroll with me ?” 

“I am certainly employed at present, Mr. 
Griscom.” 


115 


In the Mountain's Shadow 


“But won’t you soon be at leisure? It 
seems such a pity that a lovely morning like 
this should be wasted indoors; and I am not 
selfish enough to enjoy it alone. If I wait, 
say an hour, will you then accompany me?” 

As the girl had no further excuse to offer, 
she reluctantly consented and Arthur Griscom 
went off in a happy mood. At ten o’clock, 
Ena appeared, equipped for a walk, and was 
joined by her companion. 

“Which way shall we go?” she asked. 

“ The way nature has made the most 
beautiful, Miss Ena: down by the sparkling, 
lai water.” 



Now, Arthur Griscom was always spouting 
poetry and describing nature, and Ena would 
have enjoyed it, had it come from any other 
source; but, in him, it sounded so out of 
place. As they seated themselves on the 
bank of the rushing Salmon River, Mr. 
Griscom plunged headlong into the subject 
nearest his heart. 

“Can you imagine, Miss Ena, why I was 
so anxious for this interview ?” 

“Not being a mind reader, Mr. Griscom, 
I cannot, unless it was to take this beautiful 
walk and admire nature.” 

“That’s just it; but you mean one nature, 


116 


A Refusal 

I another. Mine is human nature in your 
own sweet form.” 

“Now, Mr. Griscom, if you are going to 
be sentimental, I shall leave you immediately.” 

“Do you know what sentiment is ?” 

“Not exactly. Can you describe it, Mr. 
Griscom ?” 

“I think I can, Miss Ena. Sentiment is 
the lingering touch that makes the canvas 
speak, the subtle chiseling that makes the 
marble breathe. In the material age, though, 
sentiment in human character is divided; 
but, after all, it is the sunshine within the 
soul.” 

Ena could not help admiring his definition, 
much as she disliked the man, so she said : 

“That is a beautiful thought, Mr. Griscom, 
and you have clothed it well.” 

“ Thanks, for even a little praise from 
those dear lips. I am not often the recipient 
of any; but, Ena, you must know, can surely 
guess, why I brought you here? Have you 
not seen how madly I have grown to love 
you? Do you not realize that my attentions 
have been vastly more than friendly? You 
are modest as a violet, my bright Ena, 
and, although I have tried to win some signs 
of answering affection from you, yet you 
117 


In the Mountain's Shadow 
have denied me such. 

“You have evaded my every look, my 
every word of love. But, my beautiful darling, 
it seems as if my true heart must find in yours 
a fond return. My love, look up into my 
eyes, lay your hand in mine, and tell me 
you will give yourself to me.” 

Ena hesitated a moment, then answered: 

“One thing I am glad of, Mr. Griscom, 
and it is this: you have exonerated me from 
flirting with you. I do not deny that I have 
seen your growing affection for me. But 
how could I stop it without being presuming ? 
My only course was discouragement, which 
I now see did not prove effective. Although 
I shrink from giving you pain, yet in justice 
to myself, I must say I can never be your 
wife.” 

“What! you refuse me? Take time to 
consider my proposition, Ena. You can’t 
imagine what this means to me. Give me 
just one ray of hope, my darling, just one!” 

“I can’t, I can’t. Why did you let your 
affections become so unmanageable until you 
knew the issue?” 

“Now, that is woman’s unreasonableness,” 
he said grimly. “Ena, the first time I laid 
eyes on you, my doom was sealed.” 

118 


A Refusal 

She could have echoed her aversion at the 
same time, but she answered: 

“Mr. Griscom, I can never love you, so 
cannot marry you. Come, let us return to 
the house and end this painful interview.” 

He arose mechanically, gently assisting her, 
and together they walked in silence toward 
home. 

“ O Hilder! it is miserable to listen to a man 
declare his love, whom you despise!” cried 
Ena, as she threw herself down beside her 
sister and burst into tears. 

“Never mind, dear, he will get over his 
disappointment.” 

“I don’t think he will, Hilder, he was so 
terribly in earnest. And oh, the way he 
looked at me with his very soul in his eyes! 
Why couldn’t I like him? He might have 
made me happy; but, Hilder, that hidden 
something made me beware of him and 
actually hate him.” 

“Now he will leave, Ena, and not bother 
you any more.” 

“I hope so, for this interview has com- 
pletely unnerved me.” 

“But still, dear, can’t you feel sorry for a 
love like his, when it is not reciprocated? I 
do; my heart goes out in sympathy for the 

119 


In the Mountain 9 s Shadow 
unfortunate man.” 

“I would, Hilder, but for the feeling that 
the thing he loved most he would torture 
most.” 

“O that is dreadful for you to say, Ena! 
Put such wicked thoughts out of your mind.” 

“I will try, dear,” she answered meekly, 
as her sister smoothed the fair brow with a 
caressing hand. 

If Hilder Graham thought that Arthur 
Griscom was going to leave the Springs 
without one last trial, she was deceived; for 
he was determined to have her intercede 
for him. That afternoon, as she and Fanny’s 
children were out for a walk near the foot 
of the mountain, Mr. Griscom came along. 
As he neared them, he said : 

“ Miss Hilder, couldn’t you send the children 
away, as I have a matter of grave importance 
to discuss with you?” 

“ Certainly, Mr. Griscom.” Inwardly she 
exclaimed: “O dear! now I am to be brought 
into his love-affairs.” 

You may be certain that the little ones 
were not at all pleased with the turn affairs 
had taken, and, if the man could have over- 
heard their conversation, he would not have 
felt complimented. When they were out 

120 


A Refusal 

of hearing, Mr. Griscom said: 

“You have doubtless heard, from your 
sister, the disastrous ending to my fondest 
dreams; but I happened to think of one ray 
of hope through my dark despair, and it was 
you, that maybe you could help me. O 
Miss Hilder! What is this thing, love, which 
men praise and laud and represent as the 
glory and blessing of life? It seems to me, 
now, a very curse and devil’s gift. What 
does it do, but wreck us, bewilder us, drive 
us even to the brink of insanity, poison all 
the purest and best in us with one mad, 
overmastering desire!” 

Hilder shuddered. These words were ter- 
rible to her. She had thought of love so 
differently. It made her brain giddy to 
look into the depths of this man’s heart. 
His entire disregard of conventionality, the 
singleness of his purpose, and the fierce sway 
of his passion, were revolting to her. Now 
she could well appreciate Ena’s “something,” 
which made her sister fairly despise him. 

What could she say in answer to this mad 
appeal ? How different would have been 
his sentiments had his love been returned? 
Hilder’s sympathy went out to this dis- 
appointed man; for she knew her reply would 

m 


In the Mountain’s Shadow 

only stab deeper into the already lacerated 
wound. 

Mr. Griscom, noticing the distressed ex- 
pression on Hilder’s face, said gently: 

“You have no encouragement to offer, I 
can readily perceive, Miss Hilder.” 

“None whatever, Mr. Griscom. Ena told 
me that it would be impossible for her to 
marry you.” 

The man at her side grew deadly pale as 
she said this; but, mastering himself with 
great effort, he answered : 

“ If such is the case, I will accept the 
inevitable. Come, shall we go to the house ?” 

When Arthur Griscom left Hilder, she 
thought: “A man of his temperament who 
loves — still more at his age— does it with 
a terrible completeness. Strength has its 
dangers as well as its weaknesses. They are 
touched with dignity and splendor, it is true; 
but they are too often touched as well, with 
a species of desperation. Such natures as 
his, under the dominion of a fixed idea, are 
horribly difficult to cope with. Nothing turns 
them aside. They will go through fire and 
water, utterly regardless of the well-inten- 
tioned remonstrances of those interested, to 
reach the goal, whatever it may be.” 

122 


A Refusal 

Hilder decided not to harass Ena with a 
rehearsal of this interview, but she would 
acquaint Fanny with the facts. 


123 


CHAPTER XVI 


Revenge Awakened 

The following afternoon, Walter Aldrich 
appeared at the Springs. Although Mr. Gris- 
com had not given this young man any 
thought as to being his rival, yet his dismissal 
had turned his thoughts toward revenge, and 
he determined to be present at the meeting. 
Not having the least suspicion as to what was 
passing in Mr. Griscom’s mind, Ena greeted 
Mr. Aldrich with a fervor that shot an arrow 
straight into the other’s heart, killing love and 
creating hate. From that moment, Walter 
Aldrich’s doom was sealed regarding his 
position in the mine. 

That night they all gathered in the sitting- 
room to play cards and have a jolly time. 
None of them seemed to enjoy it more than 
Arthur Griscom; but Hilder noticed that, 
whenever his eye lit on Walter Aldrich, a 
peculiar expression came into it, almost de- 
moniacal. As the girls entered their room, 
Ena said: 

“You are right, Hilder, in your supposition 
124 


Revenge Awakened 


regarding Mr. Griscom. Did you notice how 
he seemed ?” 



~ Hilder only answered: “Yes, dear,” and 
kept her own counsel. For it would not do, 
she thought, to tell Ena her suspicions; but 
next day Hilder told Fanny what she had 
noticed, saying: 

“Mark my words. Fan, I don’t believe 
Walter Aldrich will be working in Bayhorse 
long.” 

“That’s all foolishness, Hilder. I know 
the superintendent, Mr. Lindsley, thinks every- 
thing of him and so does the company. You 
must be mistaken.” 

“Well, I hope I am, but I’m of Ena’s 
opinion now: Arthur Griscom is not a man 
to be trusted.” 

It was with a sigh of relief that the two 
girls saw Mr. Griscom depart, and they hoped 
sincerely he would never return. 

“Now, what a good time we shall have!” 
exclaimed Ena. “We can play croquet and 
go out walking and riding; for Mr. Lindsley 
and Walter Aldrich are going to remain here 
a week. Aren’t you charmed, sister mine, 
at the former’s stay? I know you are; just 
see you blush,” and Ena laughingly went 
away. 


In the Mountain 7 s Shadow 

“A penny for your thoughts, Mr. Aldrich ?” 
said Ena, as they sat on the porch that evening. 

“I was thinking of a friend’s definition of 
hard times and I’m of his opinion.” 

“Tell me, and let’s see what I think about 
it,” urged Ena. 

“In the first place, he says that hard times 
are a psychological phenomenon, a state of 
feeling where the spirit of man turns cold 
and cautious. He distrusts everything and 
everybody, and will not venture. He loses 
his cheering faith in favors of fortune. It is 
then he turns to the quick way to succeed. 
See, for instance, an innocent boy working 
hard and long for fortune to favor him, until, 
at last, he becomes discouraged. He learns 
a trick or two at cards; success follows his 
efforts and he becomes a confirmed gambler. 
He has cultivated an appetite for a short cut 
to success. But, if the poor fellow but knew 
it, his newly-made fortune will be soon swept 
away. But, as my friend says, ‘hard times’ 
is a very discouraging road to travel.” 

“What’s the matter, Aldrich?” laughingly 
asked Mr. Lindsley. “Are you down on 
your luck?” 

“Yes,” he returned, “it is so confoundedly 
inconvenient to be poor.” 

126 



Looking at her as he said this, he thought how her charm 
for him was growing. 























































* . 


> 









Revenge Awakened 

“Indeed it is,” agreed Ena; “but, when a 
man has health, strength, and ability, it 
seems to me that he ought to surmount the 
difficulties which encumber his path and 
rise in the scale of fortune.” 

“But, Miss Ena, there are so many tempta- 
tions tugging at a fellow to pull him down, 
that human nature sometimes grows dis- 
couraged,” protested Mr. Aldrich. 

“The man who admits a stumbling block, 
in my opinion, is very weak,” she retorted. 

“You are so decided in your condemna- 
tion of us poor fellows, Miss Ena, that you 
leave no loophole whereby we can excuse 
ourselves.” 

Looking at her, as he said this, he thought 
how her charm for him was growing, always 
appealing to him with a touch of delicate 
originality, always shifting and changing with 
a thousand fleeting lights and shadows; 
because there was an ephemeral quality 
about her, constant only in bewitching incon- 
sistency. He was driven over and over again, 
in her remarks, to note the sense of novelty, 
of refined surprise, and of quickened observa- 
tion that was produced. Ena, he thought, 
when pleased and desirous of pleasing, was 
undoubtedly a being created to be fallen 
127 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

in love with, and this he had done. 

The silence that had fallen on them was 
broken by Ena: 

“ I was so amused, not long ago, at a sheep- 
herder who was here. I was talking to him 
and the conversation drifted to that paper 
which so many of you men patronize in this 
part of the country. Can you guess the 

rv 

name ? 

“ The one David Madden was showing 
you the last time I was here ?” 

“Yes; ‘The Heart and Hand,’ I believe 
it is called. Well, this man said he answered 
an advertisement and began a correspondence 
with a lady; finally, he proposed and was 
accepted. The next thing was to send her 
money to come out with. This he did, and 
they were to know each other by a handker- 
chief being tied on the left arm. The day 
arrived on which she was expected, and he 
was at the depot to meet her; but, as he 
wished to see what she looked like before 
letting himself be known, he neglected the 
signal of recognition. She was there all 
right, he said; but, when he saw her, he 
exclaimed, ‘ Great Scott,’ and took to his heels. 

“‘What did you do that for?’ I asked. 

“‘Why, Miss Ena,’ he replied, ‘she was 

128 


Revenge Awakened 

old enough to be my mother.’ 

‘‘I could not resist laughing, but I also 
chided him for leaving her in the lurch.” 

“ I really suppose she had led him to 
believe she was young and good-looking,” 
suggested Aldrich. 

“That is just the reason he gave me,” 
answered Ena. 

“You can’t blame him then. If a woman 
deceives a man on the start, a marriage with 
her would be bound to prove unhappy. 
Talking of matrimony, reminds me of what 
a friend told me once about a girl he was 
in love with; but he told it in mining language. 
Would you care to hear it ?” 

“ Certainly, I imagine it would be amusing.” 

“If not elegant,” laughed her companion. 
“ Well, this is how he commenced : 

“‘Three years ago, I had a ninety day 
option on as fine a body of Idaho womanhood 
as ever did the jigger act over a wash-board.’” 

“ What did he mean by that P ” inquired Ena. 

“Why, she was good at washing clothes, 
I suppose,” he answered. 

“Well, go ahead. Wait, you don’t mind 
my interrupting you when I don’t understand, 
do you?” 

“ Surely not. I shall be pleased to explain. 

129 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

Then he said that no better article ever 
emanated from the slopes of virtuous felicity. 
At one time, they had fully decided to close 
the deal, in other words to get married; but, 
before he could get a patent, the ground 
began to creep.” 

“Poor fellow,” said Ena, “he wasn’t very 
sure of her yet.” 

“No indeed; but, for the first thirty days, 
he said, they drifted along in the rarest soft 
carbonate of human beatitude that ever 
went over the tram. Then the shade of 
green crept in, merging into crystallized 
jealousy, and, before he could timber up the 
misunderstanding, they had a small cave 
and the stop was half full of the black oxide 
of discord.” 

Here Ena’s laughter excited the curiosity 
of the other occupants of the porch, and 
Hilder said : 

“ Do let us enjoy the joke.” 

“Yes, draw your chairs closer and listen 
to this matrimonial venture of a friend of 
Mr. Aldrich. You won’t mind repeating the 
first part for their benefit, will you ?” 

“Certainly not. You remember Charlie 
Rushton, Lindsley, and how he was always 
getting off something comical?” 

130 


Revenge Awakened 

“I do perfectly. He is now at Buffalo 
Hump, I believe.” 

“He was, the last accounts I heard of him. 
Well, this is one of his yarns.” So, after 
repeating his narrative, as far as he had 
reached, he continued : 

“After this little cave, they made up and 
proceeded on their way rejoicing; but, pretty 
soon the country became rather well sprinkled 
with the sulphides of mutual distrust. The 
original locator didn’t care to take him into 
partnership as son-in-law; he sided in with a 
cowboy.” 

“Now that was too bad,” said Hilder, 
“ particularly if his heart was deeply enlisted.” 

“ I don’t think Charlie’s heart ever bothered 
him much. He could fall in love and fall 
out of it, the quickest of any one I ever saw.” 

“I can substantiate your opinion of him,” 
agreed Mr. Lindsley. 

“ Well, anyhow, the cowboy filed an adverse 
on his application for patent; but, notwith- 
standing this, he was able to obtain an exten- 
sion on the option for sixty days.” 

“That is, I guess, the young lady took 
him again into her good graces,” laughingly 
explained Ena. 

U Precisely so, and, for thirty days, he sunk 

131 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

the sulphides of reconciliation; he made a 
cross-cut, in hopes of striking a ledge of old 
gold sentiment; but he ran into a conglom- 
erate composed of perversity and disinclina- 
tion.” 

“He certainly had a thorny path to travel,” 
interposed Mr. Lindsley. 

“I think it was only exciting for him,” 
answered Walter Aldrich. “ Occasionally, 
he said, his stock would boom, then fall with 
a dull, sickening thud, and then he would 
climb painfully up the ladder of defeat and 
humiliation. He was once more encouraged 
to live by getting into good air. But alas! 
he followed the trend of susceptibility after 
the indications of common sense had angled 
off, and naturally broke into an immense 
deposit of tough luck. Then he realized, 
he said, that he would never be able to sit 
down to a table loaded with domestic glory, 
but would have to take out his boarding- 
house dinner bucket with the same old dose, 
which would cause an angel to weep and 
drive the devil to suicide.” 

“Well, what became of the girl?” asked 
Ena. 

“Why, he said he pulled out of the field 
and the property went into the hands of the 

132 


Revenge Awakened 
cowboy receiver.” 

“That is one of the best things I’ve heard 
since I have been in Idaho,” exclaimed 
Hilder. “Thanks so much, Mr. Aldrich, for 
our evening’s entertainment.” 

“O don’t mention it,” he answered. “My 
highest aim is to please the ladies, even at 
the expense of an absent friend’s feelings.” 
His expression was so droll that it created a 
general laugh. 


133 


CHAPTER XVII 


Dismission 

“ Lindsley,” asked Walter Aldrich one day, 
“what is the matter with Arthur Griscom? 
He has behaved so strangely toward me here 
lately. You know he and I have always 
been such good friends.” 

“I have noticed his changed demeanor, 
but I cannot guess the cause.” 

“I had a notion, last night, when I was in 
the store, to tackle him about it, but thought 
I would await further development.” 

“Yes, as the old saying goes, ‘Murder will 
out.’ You will hear of it soon, I have no 
doubt.” 

From the moment Arthur Griscom saw Ena 
Graham display her feelings so perceptibly 
toward Walter Aldrich, he had determined 
to work for the young fellow’s discharge. 
He knew he had to act cautiously and feel 
every inch of his way; but patience, patience, 
would bring him out victorious. He was 
fully aware that Walter Aldrich was a general 
favorite, not only for his amiability of temper, 

134 


Dismission 

but also for his honesty and uprightness of 
purpose. 

He was tall and well proportioned. His 
features were somewhat large and strongly 
marked; the nose was aquiline, the mouth 
hidden under a heavy brown mustache. His 
jaw was square and solid, his complexion 
fair. His eyes were rather deep set, under 
arched eyebrows, real fighting eyes of brownish 
hue, the pupil small, the iris large and pecul- 
iarly rich and clear. Such eyes are habitually 
kind and friendly, but they can grow very 
keen when the blood is aroused in anger. 

It was in the following manner that Arthur 
Griscom approached the subject to Mr. Tal- 
bot, the largest owner in the Skylark Mine, 
where Walter Aldrich was working. 

“I hear, Talbot, that some of your work- 
men are giving the property a black eye.” 

“In what way, Griscom?” 

“ Why, Walter Aldrich was talking to those 
experts that came in, giving them the idea 
that the mine was not what you represented.” 

“O pshaw, I don’t believe it; for Aldrich 
has worked for me for the past five years, and 
I never met a more upright man.” 

“That’s just it; he has been there so long 
that he knows all about the mine and he’s 

135 


In the Mountain 9 s Shadow 

too honorable to speak favorably of it.” 

“ What is the meaning of this, Mr. Griscom ? 
Do you mean to insinuate that I lied about 
my property?” and Henry Talbot’s face took 
on a very dark expression. 

“Here, my friend, not so fast; you jump 
at conclusions too quickly. Let me explain. 
You see, when a person wishes to sell any- 
thing, he naturally wants it to look advan- 
tageous. Now, you would like to dispose of 
your mine. Is it not right and proper that 
you should bring out all its good points, 
letting the experts detect the bad ones for 
themselves ?” 

“Well, I acknowledge the truth in that 
statement. But what has that to do with 
Walter Aldrich?” 

“ Only this, he has been exposing what 
you would rather have hidden.” 

“I can’t stand that, I will investigate, and, 
if what you say is true, I will oust him at 
once.” 

Arthur Griscom rubbed his hands in high 
glee to know he had planted the seed of 
distrust in the breast of his hated rival’s 
employer. Now he could really vouch for 
what he had said; for, unfortunately, the con- 
versation between the experts and Walter 
136 


Dismission 


Aldrich had taken place in his store, he 
having paid particular attention to it, for the 
furtherance of his own plans. 

“Now, young man,” Arthur Griscom 
thought, “you won’t find it quite so easy to 
visit the Springs and the girl who loves you,” 
and he ground his teeth at the mere thought. 

Mr. Talbot interviewed the experts and 
found out enough from them to condemn 
Aldrich, so he ordered Mr. Lindsley to give the 
young man his time. How he hated to do it! 
They had been friends so long and he was 
always to be trusted; but, as superintendent, 
he was obliged to obey the command. 

“Say, old fellow,” said Lindsley, as he 
walked up to the dump where Aldrich was 
sitting, “ I’ve bad news for you.” 

“Nothing wrong at the Springs, I hope.” 

“No, something that concerns yourself. 
The boss told me to settle with you.” 

“You’re joking, Lindsley. Why, Mr. Tal- 
bot and I are on the best of terms.” 

“Can’t help that, my friend, he gave me 
my orders a short while ago.” 

“I wonder what the cause of this can be. 
Well, I will go, but remember what I tell 
you, Arthur Griscom is accountable for it.” 

The two friends talked until far into the 

137 


In the Mountain’ s Shadow 


night, then good-byes were said and Walter 
Aldrich went down the mountain side to 
Bayhorse. His first intention was to visit 
the Springs, but this thought he dismissed 
as being indiscreet; for how could he ask Ena 
to share his impoverished life? So he deter- 
mined to write to her, gently hinting his 
feelings to her. So he did, telling her of his 
leaving Bayhorse and that he thought of 
going to Custer. At the end, he quoted a 
few lines from Julius Caesar; 

“And whether we shall meet again, I know not, 

Forever and forever farewell, oh Ena, 

If we do meet again, why we shall smile, 

If not, why then this parting was well made.” 

For hours, he lay awake, not thinking of 
his lost position, but of the girl he so deeply 
loved. 

“This is awful, this desire of utter self- 
surrender, this wild worship, this madness 
of yearning toward the object we love! It 
lies deeper than any mere gratification of the 
senses. Philosophers have called it hard 
names and nearly split their brains over it, 
trying to solve the problem, trying to bridge 
the chasm between the me and the not me, 
the subject and the object. But only the 
lover, of all men, dares to attempt a solution 
138 


Dismission 


most fateful and desperate, when he thus 
casts his life down at his sweetheart’s feet.” 
Thus he thought, finally dropping off into a 
troubled slumber, from which he was rudely 
awakened by the alarm-clock chiming the 
hour for him to arise. 

If only he had caught a glimpse of the grin- 
ning visage leering at him from behind the 
store-doors, as he took the stage, he certainly 
would have postponed his departure, if only 
for the gratification of settling accounts with 
Arthur Griscom. 


139 


CHAPTER XVIII 


The Shearing Camp 

Before Walter Aldrich’s letter reached her, 
Ena Graham had gone on her trip to the 
shearing-camp with Mr. and Mrs. Rainey, 
and Rosabelle Pettibone. They started in a 
covered wagon and traveled over a large 
stretch of country until they came to a deep 
gulch, where, on either side, rose mountains 
to a dizzy height. 

“Doesn’t it look queer to see that green 
grass extend only half way up that mountain,” 
exclaimed Ena, “ while above it the bare 
rocks pile in pyramidical beauty? O there 
are mountains worth seeing, those, I mean, 
of different colors. The base is of ashen 
hue, farther up they take a purplish cast, 
then red and yellow intermingle, while the 
extreme top is capped by everlasting snow.” 

“Well,” said Vernon Rainey, “I have 
traveled this road for many years and never 
before noticed the beauty of that mountain 
range.” 

“No; it took a Southern girl to point out 
140 


The Shearing Camp 

the grandeur of your own country,” accused 
Ena, laughingly. 

“Look, Rosabelle; what is that big bird 
over there ?” 

“It’s a sage-hen, Ena; the mountains are 
full of them. They are not much good for 
eating, taste of the sage-brush; but the young 
are quite fine. Now the grouse are tender 
and nice tasting, for they feed on berries 
found in the mountains.” 

As they proceeded, they saw an occasional 
jack-rabbit, or a small cottontail would dart 
across the road. 

“You see that bird sitting there as if you 
could pick her up. Miss Ena?” asked Mr. 
Rainey. 

“Yes; why doesn’t it fly? Is it hurt, I 
wonder?” she answered. 

“No, that is what is called a fool-hen; and, 
if we had time, I could kill it with a rock.” 

“Is it possible! What do you suppose 
such a helpless creature as that was created 
for, without even sense enough to protect 
itself? Of course, we are taught that every- 
thing was made for a purpose; but I wonder 
why it is called on to occupy a fool’s place?” 

“As your question is unanswerable, Miss 
Ena,” replied Mr. Rainey, “we shall be 

141 


In the Mountain's Shadow 


obliged to let it pass.” 

Farther on their journey, they came on a 
peculiar-looking animal, which interested Ena 
very much. It had short legs and was of a 
gray color with white stripes on its face. 
Long hair on either side of its body almost 
swept the ground. Its face had an expression 
of great cunning; its nose was long and 
pointed. It was a heavy-set animal, only 
about two feet long and very broad, but it 
stepped lightly enough from place to place. 

“ That is what we call a badger, Miss Ena,” 
volunteered Mr. Rainey; “and all these holes 
you see around here belong to them.” 

By this time, the wagon had descended 
into low, but very rough and barren hills, 
where there was no grass, only sage-brush 
here and there. Sometimes a hill was capped 
by a broad slab of stone, and again, some were 
pointed. Soon they found themselves in a 
canyon, shut in on one side by a high wall 
of rock and on the other by a mountain dotted 
with pine-timber. 

“There are some mountain-sheep on those 
mountains,” said Mr. Rainey, and he pointed 
out the tracks. Farther on in the rolling 
valley were to be seen some antelope feeding. 

“What makes those mountains look gray, 

142 


The Shearing Camp 

Mr. Rainey?” asked Ena. “They shine 
almost like silver and in some places look 
black.” 

“ The black is the dark green of the growing 
pine-timber, Miss Ena, and the gray is where 
it has been burnt and is dead.” 

Leaving the main road, they cut across a 
flat, to where a branch road led into the 
mountains. 

“I can see the white canvas tents,” ex- 
claimed Rosabelle, “and the sheep-wagons. 
It looks like a little village, Mr. Rainey; there 
are so many of them.” 

“ Some belong to the shearers,” he answered. 
“Those to the right are ours, and the sheep- 
wagon on the left is your property, your 
house on wheels.” 

As they drove up to the tent and alighted 
from the wagon, Ena said: “ Come, Rosabelle, 
I am dying to have a look into that sheep- 
wagon.” So she stepped upon the tongue 
and into the door of the herders’ winter 
quarters. 

“ O look here ! Is it not cosey ? See, there 
is the place for the bed, and on each side are 
benches for the convenience of the herder. 
This must be his cellar,” and Ena slid the 
door back and looked under the bed. “ Here 

143 


In the Mountain’s Shadow 

is the place for the stove. Is it not splendid ? 
Such a vast improvement on a tent!” 

“Yes, everything looks so snug that we 
might almost envy the person who occupies 
it,” answered Rosabelle. 

The herders and the men whom Mr. Rainey 
had employed to help him, independent of 
shearers, had finished their noon-day meal, 
so the visitors had a jolly luncheon all to 
themselves, occupying the remainder of the 
afternoon in arranging things for their night’s 
rest. 

When the girls entered the tent to assist 
Mrs. Rainey with supper, what was their 
surprise to find a long table with benches 
on each side and a cook-stove. 

“This certainly was not my idea of camp- 
ing, Mrs. Rainey,” said Ena, laughingly. 
“From what I have heard and read, campers 
were obliged to cook on a fire out doors and 
spread their repast on the ground. I never 
imagined any such comfort as this.” 

“ Well, you see, Ena,” replied Mrs. Rainey, 
“I tried that sort of a thing the first time I 
came with Mr. Rainey, and it was very dis- 
couraging. The pot of potatoes turned over, 
spilling the contents, almost put the fire 
out and scattered the cinders in every direc- 

144 


The Shearing Camp 

tion. The oven bread wouldn’t bake, and, 
when Mr. Rainey came over to see how I 
was progressing, he found things in a dis- 
astrous condition and I was in tears. He 
turned to and got the meal himself, saying he 
would have a stove brought up for me. Since 
that time, I have never been without that con- 
venience.” 

“Yes,” put in Mr. Rainey, “I shall never 
forget that scene, and would have enjoyed 
it immensely, had not Helen been so worried. 
Now, Miss Ena, she is not satisfied with the 
comforts of life; she has to have the luxuries 
in the shape of a rocking-chair.” 

“Well, I am sure of one thing: you enjoy 
the many good things I bring,” insinuated 
his wife. 

“That’s even so, my dear,” he admitted as 
he left the tent. 

After supper, as Rosabelle was looking out 
of the tent-door, she saw some men gathering 
wood. 

“ O that’s fine! See, Ena, they are going 
to build a fire. It will be so cosey and comfort- 
able, for the evening has grown chilly.” 

“Yes,” explained Mrs. Rainey; “we have 
fires every evening. After the sun goes down 
here, it is always cold.” 

145 


In the Mountain's Shadow 


Seated near the genial warmth of the 
glowing camp-fire, Ena thought that nothing 
could excel her enjoyment; for each of the 
party contributed something to the evening’s 
entertainment, and, as the clock neared the 
hour of eleven, they all retired. 


146 


CHAPTER XIX 
An Interesting Sight 

Toward morning, the girls were rudely 
awakened by a most unearthly sound. 

“O Rosabelle! What is that?” exclaimed 
Ena, starting up in the bed. “It sounds as 
if pandemonium had been let loose.” 

“It seems you have forgotten where you 
are,” laughingly said her friend. “It’s only 
the sheep making that racket. The men are 
trying to drive them into the corral, so they 
can be put in the pens to be sheared. The 
ewes and lambs do not relish the idea of being 
separated. Don’t they make a terrific noise ? ” 

“I should say so. Their lungs are surely 
good and strong,” replied Ena. 

The girls performed their toilet, then went 
to assist Mrs. Rainey prepare the morning 
meal. 

“Come, girls,” said their hostess, “let us 
go and watch the men put the sheep into 
corral, for they won’t come to breakfast until 
they have driven them there.” 

The trio crossed a small creek, walking 

147 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

over to where the pens were. There the men 
had a long piece of burlap stretched, and 
with this they encircled a portion of the sheep. 
Sometimes the ewes and lambs would jump 
over the burlap and get away; then it was 
that the men would give vent to their warm 
feelings in explosive language. When, at 
last, they succeeded, the sheep were driven 
through a chute, where the sheared ones were 
let out and the others driven into the pens. 
Then the men were ready for their meal. 

In the afternoon, the girls watched the shear- 
ing-process. Some of the sheep would lie 
perfectly motionless, while others flounced 
about terribly. After watching closely for a 
while, Ena said: 

“Those poor sheep have good cause for 
their restlessness; see how dreadfully they are 
cut.” 

“Yes; is it not a shame? The shearers 
ought to be more careful,” answered Rosabelle. 

The girls watched the men tie the fleeces 
into a bundle, then throw them into a baler, 
where a man would jump in and trample 
them down; then the wool was pressed into 
the bale. 

“Baling wool is something on the order of 
cotton bales in the South,” said Ena; “only 

148 


An Interesting Sight 

you cover the ends of the wool bales and those 
of the cotton bales are left open.” 

“I have heard that mentioned before,” 
answered Mr. Rainey, as, with his long 
needle and fleece twine, he kept busily at his 
work. 

Toward evening, the girls walked up the 
high hill overshadowing the tents. On reach- 
ing the summit, they saw a grand panorama. 
There, below them, was the creek, which took 
its rise from far up in the mountains, being 
fed by innumerable springs that jutted out 
from beneath the rocks ; the water came 
rushing down, dancing, sparkling, over the 
stones, the sunlight touching it here and 
there as it filtered through the branches of 
the willows on the water’s bank, making it 
radiant with many colors. The long, waving 
grass grew everywhere, except where the 
corrals stood, making that spot resemble a 
desert, so devoid was it of any color. The 
white tents, dotted here and there, added to 
the scene, making the whole one of wondrous 
beauty. 

As the girls proceeded on their walk, Ena 
suddenly exclaimed : 

“O Rosabelle! See that dog after that 
poor little lamb; he will surely kill it,” 

149 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

“Why, that isn’t a dog, Ena; it is a coyote, 
and, fortunately, the herder is after it.” 

The girls watched the scene with breathless 
interest; they saw the man creep cautiously 
as near as prudence would allow, then raise 
his gun and fire, killing the coyote. 

“He’s a good marksman,” remarked Rosa- 
belle; “for those animals are hard to shoot.” 

“They are pretty creatures,” answered 
Ena; “it is a pity they are so destructive. 
Let us go and have a look at it.” 

As they were examining the animal and 
talking to the herder about it, Mr. Rainey 
joined the group. 

“You’ve done well, Casey,” he said to 
the herder. “ I’m always glad to see the 
death of one of those tormenting creatures. 
If it were not for them, we sheep men would 
have nothing to fear in this part of the country, 
Miss Ena, for mountain-lions or bears trouble 
us very little. The safest way to kill coyotes 
is by poisoning, yet it has its disadvantages; 
for, by it, we lose so many valuable dogs.” 

“I am not at all surprised, then, that you 
hail with delight their disappearance forever.” 

The following day, as Ena was getting 
some water from the creek, she saw a small 
boy lying flat on the ground with a string in 

150 


An Interesting Sight 

his hand, to which a slip knot was attached. 
This he placed over a small hole. Curiously, 
she watched him, and soon she saw a little 
creature poke its head up. Quick as lightning, 
the child drew the string and caught it about 
the neck. 

“What have you there, little boy?” she 
asked. 

“ A ground-squirrel.” 

“ What will you do with it ?” 

“I put them in a large can, then, when I 
have plenty of them, I like to see them fight 
to get out. When I am tired of that, I let 
them go.” 

Ena was so interested that she called 
Rosabelle and the two girls spent the entire 
afternoon with the little fellow, taking part in 
the childish sport. 


151 


CHAPTER XX 
A Narrow Escape 

The time passed pleasantly for the two 
girls at the camp. They had been there a 
week, when one afternoon they decided to 
walk to the head of the creek. 

“Have you a rifle, Mr. Rainey, to let me 
have?” asked Rosabelle. “We are going 
up in those mountains and I always feel 
safer when I am armed.” 

“O Rosabelle, can you shoot?” gasped 
Ena, and her big eyes opened wide with 
astonishment; for she was afraid even to 
touch an unloaded gun. 

“All Western girls have that accomplish- 
ment, Miss Ena,” answered Mr. Rainey. 
“Yes, Rosabelle, there is a good gun in the 
corner of the tent, and Mrs. Rainey will give 
you some cartridges.” 

“Thank you,” she said. Then turning to 
Ena: “You will have to help carry it.” 

“All right, if it does not grow too heavy,” 
consented the girl. 

They started off, going along the bank of 

152 



Placing it to her shoulder she fired. 







































. 























































A Narrow Escape 

the creek, which took them up into the very 
heart of the mountains, where the thick tim- 
ber grew in abundance. 

“Let’s stop here and rest, Ena,” said her 
companion. 

“1 should think so, for I am dreadfully 
tired of carrying this heavy old thing. I 
can’t see what you brought it along for, any- 
way ; it has been a regular nuisance,” grumbled 
Ena, throwing the gun on the ground. 

“It’s true, we have not met anything more 
formidable than a jack-rabbit,” replied Rosa- 
belle, taking Ena’s scolding all in good part; 
“but, my dear, you must not crow until you 
are out of the woods.” 

Ena smiled at her friend’s good nature, 
and for some time they chatted gaily, when 
suddenly the leaves in a tree near them 
rustled unusually. As they looked up, a ter- 
rible sight met their gaze. 

“Gracious Powers! What is that thing 
staring down on us, Rosabelle?” whispered 
Ena; for two glaring eyes could be seen through 
the overhanging branches. 

“Be still, Ena; it’s a wildcat,” cautioned 
Rosabelle, as she quietly loaded her rifle, 
then, placing it to her shoulder, fired. It 
was none too soon, for the animal had crouched 
153 


In the Mountain’s Shadow 

to spring. The girl’s aim was true and the 
cat fell to the ground dead. 

A herder, who was near-by, hearing the 
report, hastened to their assistance. On see- 
ing what had taken place, he complimented 
Rosabelle on her ability as a huntress. 

“I will skin him for you, Miss Rosabelle, 
and then, when you look at your rug, you 
will be reminded of the narrow escape you 
had.” 

“Yes, it will certainly make me think of it, 
and will be such a handsome souvenir of the 
trip.” 

They watched the man as he deftly removed 
the lovely covering from the animal, then 
they took the skin with them. 

As they turned to go, Ena picked up the rifle 
and started off. 

“ It’s my turn to carry that,” said Rosabelle, 
reaching out to take it. 

“No; for the unkind way I spoke to you, 
I shall punish myself by taking this all the 
way back.” 

“Nonsense, I won’t hear of such a thing. 
You would be tired out when you reached 
camp. Come, I’ll forgive you, seeing you’re 
so penitent, and we will share the burden.” 

Ena, putting the weapon aside, threw her 

154 


A Narrow Escape 

arms about her friend’s neck, calling her a 
dear girl. 

The story of Rosabelle’s brave act had 
preceded her, and much praise was bestowed 
on her. 

As supper was in progress, Mrs. Rainey 
proposed : 

“ We will finish here by the second of July, 
then we will be in time for the Fourth in 
Challis. I hear that they expect to have a 
good time, and I would like your party, girls, 
to take luncheon with us, after which you 
can go to the races.” 

“That is very kind of you, Mrs. Rainey,” 
said Ena; “but I feel I cannot think of accept- 
ing unless you make it a basket affair. I 
know we will have quite a number from the 
Springs and it would be an imposition.” 

“All right, then; but, really, that was not 
my calculation when I spoke, I can assure 
you.” 

“But it is no more than fair,” answered 
Rosabelle. 

It was their last night at the camp, and, 
as the party sat around the warm fire, Ena 
remarked : 

“I hear that the cattle and sheep men 
around this vicinity are constantly at war 
155 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

with one another. Have you ever had any 
trouble, Mr. Rainey?” 

“ I surely have not escaped, Miss Ena. 
Last year, when I came up here to see if 
things were all right for shearing, a scene of 
desolation met my gaze. Everything had 
been burnt to the ground, even my wool- 
press and dipping-vat.” 

“Wasn’t that a disgraceful proceeding!” 
exclaimed Ena. “It is so small, to revenge 
one’s self on personal property. Why are the 
cattlemen so severe?” 

“Their principal cause for grief is that 
cattle will not range where sheep have been; 
consequently, it drives the former far up into 
the mountains.” 

“A sheepman is not responsible for that,” 
answered Ena. “Why don’t they have sep- 
arate ranges? There seems to be country 
enough.” 

“Mrs. Rainey will tell you of a fright she 
received last fall from some cattlemen,” 
said Mr. Rainey, laughingly. 

“Indeed I didn’t think it so amusing at 
the time,” she replied. “I came out here 
with Mr. Rainey, as he intended to separate 
his bands of sheep and to be gone about 
a week. One day, as I was looking out of 

156 


A Narrow Escape 

the camp door, I saw a number of men on 
horseback, all armed, coming toward me. 
My first thought was of Indians, and how 
frightened I was ! I waited in fear and 
trembling until they rode up, and was relieved 
to find that they were white cattlemen. The 
spokesman came forward, saying: 

“‘Is Mr. Rainey in?’ 

“‘He is not,’ I answered; ‘he’s at one of 
the herds.’ 

“ ‘ Can you inform us which ?’ 

“Now I knew very well, but I wasn’t sup- 
posed to tell them, so I replied : 

“‘He intended to visit all of them to-day. 
Will you leave your message with me ? ’ 

“‘No,’ he answered; ‘our business is with 
Mr. Rainey personally,’ and with that he 
raised his hat and they all galloped off.” 

“How dreadfully you must have felt,” 
said Ena, “with all those armed men after 
your husband.” 

“Mr. Rainey’s safety was in their number, 
for, had there been only one or two, I would 
have felt that mischief would have been done. 
However, I could not help being a little uneasy, 
and, while I was standing there, imagining 
all sorts of things, one of our trusty herders 
came, breathless, toward camp. 

157 


In the Mountain 9 s Shadow 


“‘O Mrs. Rainey,’ he said, ‘I was sure 
those men were Indians and I hastened to 
you; for I knew how very fearful of them 
you were.’ 

“‘That was very kind of you and I appre- 
ciate it,’ I answered; ‘but you see they were 
only a small army of cattlemen.’” 

“Did they find you, Mr. Rainey?” asked 
Ena. 

“Surely; they went to the ewe band and 
I wasn’t there, then they came to the wether 
band. I saw them at a distance; so, picking 
up my rifle, I started to meet them, thinking 
that, if the worst came, I would sell my life 



“You were very courageous, Mr. Rainey,” 
interrupted Rosabelle. 

“Well, you see, my dear, a coward can’t 
own sheep; for a man has many just such 
adventures to contend with. But I faced 
them. I must say they were very angry. 
Each had a grievance to settle. I listened to 
them all and then said: 

“ ‘ Gentlemen, don’t you think we can settle 
this matter amicably? I am willing to do 
what is right.’ Then I laid a plan before 
them. 

“They talked, and fussed, and ranted for 


158 


A Narrow Escape 

quite a while among themselves. Finally 
they consented to my proposition and went 
off, hence my being alive to tell the tale,” he 
ended laughingly. 

“Have you been in this business long, 
Mr. Rainey ?” inquired Ena. 

“A number of years, Miss Ena, and it has 
been up hill traveling all the way. My 
brother and I came to this country with 
comparatively nothing. We bought a band 
of sheep, and gave the owner a mortgage on 
them, paying him eighteen per cent interest. 
My brother herded while I freighted into 
Challis, Clayton, and Custer. So, step by 
step, through many trials and tribulations, we 
have at last reached Easy Street.” 

“You have worked hard for it and you 
deserve prosperity,” said Ena. 


159 


CHAPTER XXI 


Fourth of July in Challis 

When Ena returned to the Springs, she 
found Mr. Aldrich’s letter awaiting her; so, 
putting on her hat, she walked to a shady 
grove, where she might enjoy its contents alone. 
Tremblingly she hoped for a declaration of 
his feelings toward her, for well she knew 
that her heart was in his keeping. But what 
cared she ? Was he not honest, upright, gen- 
erous, and true? Had she not studied his 
character in every way, looking at it from 
all sides, never finding a taint of selfishness 
or an intimation of dishonesty in his nature? 
Her opinion of him was so exalted that she 
thought not even adversity could force him 
from the path of integrity, nor disappoint- 
ment warp his rectitude of purpose or em- 
bitter his kindly spirit. But, as she opened 
the missive, a feeling of bitter disappointment 
stole over her; for the letter was only a friendly 
one, telling of his discharge and other things 
he thought would interest her. She found 
some consolation, however, in the quotation. 

160 


Fourth of July in Challis 

He had called her “ Ena/’ showing his thoughts 
were affectionate and of her. 

“He has asked me to correspond, so I will 
have his letters to comfort me,” and, with 
this thought, she wended her way back to 
the house, where she found Fanny and 
Hilder preparing the lunch for the next day. 

“Who are going to Challis to-morrow?” 
she asked. 

“ Well, as some of the boarders are to 
remain here, I will have to stay at home,” 
said Fanny, “and really I do not care to go. 
As Clara says she won’t leave Mamma, she 
will keep me company; but Richie wants to 
go, so does Mr. Lindsley.” Here Ena gave 
Hilder a knowing look, which said: “He’s 
here, is he?” 

“Mrs. Rainey has invited us all to picnic 
with her, going from her house to the races.” 

“That will be splendid, she has such pretty 
grounds to eat in. Now, Herbert,” Fanny 
continued, as her husband made his appear- 
ance, “you must start early so that the girls 
won’t miss seeing the Liberty Car, which 
parades at nine o’clock.” 

“What is that you speak of, Fanny?” 
asked Hilder. 

“Wait and see, and you will appreciate it 
161 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

more,” suggested her sister. 

“All right, Fanny,” agreed her husband; 
“see that your womenfolks are on time. 
There is where the danger lies.” 

“Herbert delights in giving us a hit every 
chance he gets,” said Ena, as her brother-in- 
law disappeared. “I guess you heard of Mr. 
Aldrich’s losing his position in Bayhorse,” she 
continued. 

“Yes,” answered Hilder, “Mr. Lindsley 
was telling us about it; but he says that his 
friend does not regret it, for he has a much 
more lucrative one in the Lucky Boy Mine 
in Custer.” 

“I am pleased to hear that,” said Ena, as 
she left the room. 

“You see, Fanny, my supposition was 
correct. Mr. Lindsley found out that old 
Griscom was instrumental in making Mr. 
Aldrich lose his place.” 

“Well, I declare; I would not have believed 
it of him,” answered her sister. “But unre- 
quited love will change the best of them. 
So he took his revenge out on Walter Aldrich 
because he thought Ena liked him.” 

“Nevertheless, it was a low, dirty trick; 
but that man is equal to anything mean and 
contemptible.” 


162 


Fourth of July in Challis 

“I perceive your opinion of Mr. Griscom 
is not very exalted, Hilder, so I won’t attempt 
to shield him; but, as a boarding-house 
keeper, I must stand on neutral ground,” 
remarked Fanny. 

The following morning dawned bright and 
beautiful. The sun shone his appreciation 
of the celebration, as the party left the Springs 
and forded the Salmon River, going up the 
gradual ascent to the town of Challis. As 
they entered Main Street, the whole place 
was in holiday attire; every store had trees 
of evergreen before it and from the top of 
houses waved flags. 

“How pretty everything looks!” said Hilder. 

“Why, yes,” remarked Mr. Drisco; “the 
spirit of patriotism is felt even here.” 

“So I perceive from the display before us,” 
she replied. 

“This is the place from which the car 
starts,” commented Mr. Drisco, “so you folks 
can dismount.” 

They alighted on the platform and soon 
some of their acquaintances came forward 
and spoke to them. It was not long before 
the Liberty Car appeared, driven by a repre- 
sentation of Uncle Sam. The wagon had 
tiers of seats and on the top was a high pole. 

163 


In the Mountain 9 s Shadow 

The Southern girls were all attention as to 
what would come next. Soon they saw a 
number of little girls, all robed in white, with 
ribbon sashes tied about them on which 
were printed, in gold letters, the names of 
the states and territories. In the midst of 
these was a larger girl, who represented 
the Goddess of Liberty, with her long, flowing 
hair. They were assisted to their seats; the 
Goddess stood holding the pole for support. 

“What a lovely sight!” exclaimed Ena. 
“I don’t think I ever beheld anything more 
beautiful.” 

“Nor I either,” added Hilder; “no wonder 
Fanny didn’t want us to miss it.” 

The Challis women were well pleased that 
their efforts were appreciated by these strang- 
ers. After the car had passed up one street 
and down another, with a marshal on horse- 
back preceding it, the children were driven 
to the starting point and taken off the wagon. 
Games followed this. There were foot-races, 
for young and old; climbing the greased pole 
for a five-dollar bill, which was on the top; 
catching the greased pig, which was really 
ridiculous; a sack-race, a wheelbarrow and a 
potato-race — all of which delighted the two 
Southern girls. 


164 


Fourth of July in Challis 

It was after twelve o’clock when the party 
assembled at Mrs. Rainey’s, finding Rosabelle 
and John Pettibone there. 

“ We will be obliged to hurry with luncheon,” 
said Mrs. Rainey; “for the races are at two 
o’clock.” 

As the entire party were hungry, they did 
full justice to the collation spread before 
them, talking, laughing, and having a jolly 
good time. As they were getting ready to 
start, Hilder said to Ena: 

“The Pettibones are on horseback and 
Mr. Lindsley says it is very tiresome sitting 
a horse during the races, so he proposes that 
you should ask them to accompany you in the 
wagon and we will go in a hired rig.” 

The ruse was so plain that Ena was con- 
vulsed; but she only answered: 

“How nice of him to be so thoughtful of 
other people’s comfort.” 

“You are a mean thing,” said Hilder, 
blushing; “but wait, maybe some day I can 
repay you in your own coin. But, anyhow, 
it’s a go ? Quick, he is awaiting an answer.” 

“Of course, it is a splendid arrangement.” 
So Ena went in quest of Rosabelle, who, with 
her brother, was pleased with the change. 

The race-track was situated two miles 

165 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

from Challis and it was astonishing the number 
of vehicles that lined the fence facing it. 

“I hadn’t an idea that Challis contained 
so many people, Rosabelle,” remarked Ena. 

“ Well, you see they come from miles 
around, even from the Pahsamari Valley, to 
view the races.” 

“They must be worth seeing then,” an- 
swered Ena. 

“We enjoy them, never having seen any- 
thing better.” 

After the running and trotting-races, the 
one that interested Ena most was the Indian 
race. Each was wrapped in a gaudy blanket, 
riding bareback his cay use. Just before they 
were to go under the line, a very exciting 
thing happened. One of the Indians fell 
from his horse; but the latter kept on and 
went riderless under the line, winning the 
race. Such a powwow as they did have! It 
was comical to see them talking and gesticulat- 
ing. The row was caused by the judges 
wishing to give the money to the Indian whose 
horse had won the race. This the others 
would not listen to; so, finally, it was decided 
to run the race again, much to the delight of 
the spectators, who were really rejoiced to 
see the same Indian come in ahead. 

166 


Fourth of July in Challis 

One of the happiest persons on the ground 
was John Pettibone, for he sat beside Ena, 
and had the pleasure of listening to her voice, 
which sounded like sweetest music to him. 
Now she was subdued, then again all excite- 
ment. It was positively heaven for this poor 
fellow, as he was obliged to worship from 
afar, knowing that a consummation of his 
dearest hopes was not for him. 

The party attended the dance that night, 
returning home the next day. As John and 
Rosabelle were riding along, the former said: 

“ I do wish I had some book learning, 
Rosabelle, then I might try my luck with Ena 
Graham; for, to my way of thinking, she is 
so lovely, so cheerful and light-hearted, she 
seems to carry sunshine itself in her smile. 
But ah me! she is not for me.” 

His sister’s deepest sympathy was aroused 
for him; she knew he loved the girl with all 
the strength of his manly nature. But what 
encouragement had she to offer! She felt 
that Ena Graham had never given her brother 
a serious thought. 

“Well, John, it is certainly too bad that 
you would not take advantage of an education 
when father urged you; but it was of no use, 
you said you did not want any schooling; 

167 


In the Mountain 9 s Shadow 

that mother had none.” 

“ That’s jest it. Mother had none and she 
didn’t care if I had none. I think that is 
jest where the trouble laid. A boy looks up 
to his mother and thinks what’s good ’nough 
for her, is the same for him. I ^ee’d my 
mistake now.” 

“You can study yet, John; I will help you,” 
said his sister, almost ready to cry at her 
brother’s dejected air. 

“Too late now, sis; all the laming in the 
world wouldn’t give me the girl I love.” 

Rosabelle tried to cheer him, by talking on 
familiar topics, and she partially succeeded, 
for he seemed in better spirits when they 
reached home. 


168 


CHAPTER XXII 
Acceptance 

“Who’s that in the sitting-room with 
Fanny, Hilder?” asked Ena, who had been 
over to the bath-house gathering up the towels. 

“Mrs. Pettibone; she came to ask Fanny 
to buy some winter potatoes. I didn’t appear, 
because I heard her say she was on her way 
to Challis and couldn’t stay long.” 

“ Well, I won’t bother about going in to see 
her either, as she has come on business,” said 
Ena. 

After Mrs. Pettibone’s departure, Fanny 
came laughing into the room, where her sis- 
ters were sitting, and said: 

“ Well, if that old lady isn’t comical. What 
do you think she said ?” 

“Tell us, Fan,” urged Ena. “I know it 
must be ridiculous.” 

“It seems as if Mrs. Spencer and the party 
who has an interest in the same ditch have 
been having trouble; so Mrs. Spencer told 
Mrs. Pettibone about it and this is the advice 
the latter gave her: ‘If I be you, Mrs. Spencer, 
169 


In the Mountain’s Shadow 

I’d give him the tail end of the execution, 
that’s jest what I’d do for him, and then see 
how’d he like it.’” 

“What in the world did she mean?” asked 
Ena, in astonishment. 

“ Why, the fullest extent of the law,” 
laughed her sister, so heartily that the sound 
brought her husband to see what the fun was. 
When he heard it, he joined in. 

“ O my, she is so funny,” said Ena. “ When 
I was at her house spending that time with 
Rosabelle, she had a very bad headache one 
day, and, calling to her daughter, she said: 

“‘O dear Rosabelle, you will have to 
come and rub my head with pneumonia, it 
hurts me so bad.’ As much as the old lady 
was suffering, we could not help being amused ; 
but, at the same time, it was awfully mortify- 
ing for Rosabelle.” 

“Yes, she seems to feel her mother’s de- 
ficiency very much,” answered Fanny. 

Later that afternoon, as Hilder Graham 
was crossing the lawn, Sonoby Lindsley sat 
watching her. “What an entire indifference 
to observation she has,” he thought. “There 
is a certain concentration of purpose in her 
appearance, which is very impressive. I really 
think I am in love, desperately in love with 

170 


Acceptance 

her. How a man longs to write noble poems 
on the blank pages of a maiden’s book of 
life, to keep it free from all smirch and stain, 
from all knowledge of sin, shame, and sorrow. 
What a passion of reverence mingles with the 
love of an honest man for a pure woman, 
which makes the most exquisite, perhaps, of 
all human sentiment. He is the first that 
ever bursts into that ‘silent sea,’ and in that 
thought there is, for certain natures, positive 
rapture, and aroma fresh as that of mountain 
flowers, a living delight, as in the breath of 
the wind of morning. I shall know my 
fate to-night; but Heaven spare me one like 
Griscom’s.” 

True to his thoughts, Sonoby Lindsley 
asked Hilder Graham to be his wife and was 
accepted. There was great rejoicing when 
she made known her secret, for he was a 
general favorite. 

The days passed and each brought fresh 
pleasures and surprises to these two Southern 
girls. It was now November and the snow 
fell like a white covering over everything. 
One would have supposed they were, indeed, 
children, so eagerly did Hilder and Ena play 
in it with Fanny’s little ones. 

“ By the time you’ve been here three or four 

171 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

winters,” said their brother-in-law, “you won’t 
take quite so much pleasure in the ‘snow 
beautiful.’ ” 

Just then an unexpected snow-ball struck 
him full in the face and a laughing voice said: 

“ Take that, you old croaker.” 

Looking up, he perceived Ena. 

“I’ll fix you for that, miss,” he said, as he 
made a dive for her; but she was too quick 
for him. She ran into the house, slamming 
the door and locking it, then looking out of 
the window at him, with a “ catch-me-if-you- 
can” expression on her face. 

“You are a coward,” he said; “come here 
and let us fight it out.” 

“Not much of it. I’ve always heard that 
discretion is the better part of valor, so I’ll 
remain where I am for the present.” 

Seeing that Mr. Drisco had left, she came 
out to enjoy herself. Looking down the 
road, she exclaimed: 

“Look, Hilder, there comes David Madden. 
Now we will hear some wonderful tales. I 
do enjoy listening to them, though, for he has 
traveled considerably and some of his experi- 
ences are thrilling.” 

“Yes, and he is a good narrator, so we will 
ask him to oblige us by telling us a story 

172 


Acceptance 

to-night,” answered Hilder. 

As he approached, Ena walked to meet him. 

“Here I am again, Miss Ena. Can’t stay 
away for long; there seems to be a loadstone 
drawing me in this direction.” 

“ Why, of course,” Ena replied, with a 
demure look, “you are the gentleman who is 
so fond of fishing.” 

“Yes, I am he; but, unfortunately, I fish 
for trout and catch nothing but suckers.” 

“Now that is too bad. I wish you better 
luck next time,” returned Ena. 

“ Well, say, can’t you get up a four-handed 
game of croquet, if it’s not too cold? I am 
perishing to play; but, mind you, I want you 
for a partner or the game don’t go.” 

“All right,” she answered, as she went in 
search of Hilder and Mr. Lindsley. 

“O bother croquet,” the latter said. “We 
enjoy it more where we are; besides, there is 
snow on the ground.” 

“Not where we play croquet. It has all 
melted and, moreover, sir, you must not be 
so selfish. There was a time, if I remember 
correctly, when a certain gentleman of my 
acquaintance loved to play the game; but, 
of course, circumstances alter cases.” 

“Well, you rogue, we will play one game, 

173 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

and then I’ll wager that even you will wish 
to leave it for a comfortable fireside. What 
say you, Hilder?” 

“ I’m agreeable,” she answered. 

They played two games, then all were ready 
to stop; for the air was frosty and cold. 

“ Come into the sitting-room after supper, 
Mr. Madden, with the rest of the gentlemen; 
for we wish you to entertain us.” 

“ Well, now, that’s fine, giving me the 
place of story-teller. The fault will be yours, 
Miss Ena, if I go below for it.” 

“I won’t shoulder such a responsibility, 
Mr. Madden; we want something strictly 
true.” 

“ You’ll have to get some one else in my 
place then,” he said, as he walked away. 


174 


CHAPTER XXIII 


Pursuing Indians 

That night, as they all gathered around the 
warm stove, Ena said they were ready to 
listen to anything Mr. Madden would choose 
to relate. 

“What subject will be most interesting to 
you?” he asked. 

“Indians,” said Ena. “I thought that this 
place would be full of them and we should 
have such startling and thrilling adventures 
to write South about; but I was badly mis- 
taken and really disappointed. I’ve only seen 
a few red men and they were as peaceable as 
doves.” 

“I have had one rather narrow escape 
from Indians, which I will tell you of. My 
partner, whose name was Jim, and myself 
were out prospecting in Arizona, and, having 
found a good thing, we were working at it 
like beavers. But one evening, as I was 
enjoying my paper, which I was reading by 
the flickering light of a candle, Jim came 
hurriedly in, exclaiming: 

175 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

“ ‘ David, we must pull our freight ! 9 

“‘Why this desperate hurry, Jim?’ I ques- 
tioned. 

“ 4 The Apaches are on the war-path. They 
have already killed four prospectors and are 
bearing down in this direction as fast as 
cay uses can carry them.’ 

“ Even while he was speaking, he was 
hustling around, gathering up what few 
things we could manage to carry on the backs 
of our ponies. I arose to assist him and 
together we got our frying-pan, sack of flour, 
coffee, and side of bacon; while, armed with 
repeating rifle, pistol, and bowie-knife, we 
started out to saddle our horses.” 

“I can imagine how you felt, David,” 
said Mr. Preston, another miner. 

“All over in spots, with the cold shivers 
running up and down our backs — not a very 
pleasant sensation, I can assure you. Well, 
silently and swiftly, we proceeded on our 
journey, fearing every moment that some 
hideously-painted face would rise up in the 
path to greet us, or some swift and never- 
erring arrow would fly through the silent 
midnight air to find a resting-place in our 
bosoms.” 

“O how dreadful!” exclaimed Ena, with a 
176 


Pursuing Indians 

shudder. “ The wonder is that you both 
didn’t die of fright.” 

“ It takes something more tangible than 
fear, Miss Ena, to kill tough old miners like 
us,” laughingly said David. “Well, to con- 
tinue: morning dawned and a glimmer of the 
sun’s rays rose above the tops of the moun- 
tains. We breathed freely, for we had en- 
countered no ill the night previous; so we 
hoped that the noble red man had taken 
some other direction to pursue his vengeance 
on the intruders of his vast domain. But, 
while we were enjoying our flapjacks and 
drinking our coffee, one of our own pack- 
animals galloped past. 

“‘David!’ exclaimed my partner, starting 
up in horror, ‘we are not safe yet; those 
varmints are after us.’ 

“ The terror of the situation took possession 
of me, for a moment, and I shook from head 
to foot; but, controlling myself with an effort, 
I said to Jim: 

“‘We must get rid of the horses.’ 

“‘Yes,’ he answered. 

“Now we knew it was of no use to try to 
outride them; for they would shoot the minute 
they caught sight of us. Fortunately, there 
was a mountain stream running past, with a 

177 


In the Mountain's Shadow 


high bank on our side. Down this steep 
decline we forced our animals; for we knew 
if the Indians saw them, they would naturally 
think we were with them. We took one 
longing look at our half-eaten breakfast, and, 
stepping in the hoof-prints of our horses, we 
scampered down the bank. My, but that 
water was cold! We waded quite a distance 
before finding a hiding-place. Finally we 
came to a cave hollowed out of a big rock, 
where the water didn’t reach; here we sat, 
shivering and waiting. What seemed an eter- 
nity to us was in reality only a short time, 
when we heard those wild Indians coming 
at breakneck speed, then stop suddenly, and 
give forth such a war-whoop that it positively 
made the ground tremble. 

They have discovered our stopping- 
place,’ whispered Jim. 

‘“Yes,’ I answered, ‘and now they must 
be holding a council, they are so still.’ 

“Suddenly they gave another yell and all 
of them plunged down the bank and into the 
water; for they had seen our horses.” 

“ That was a brilliant idea of yours regard- 
ing the horses,” interposed Lindsley; “it cer- 
tainly saved your lives.” 

“Yes, thought travels quickly when we are 
178 


Pursuing Indians 

in danger,” answered David Madden. “ When 
we saw that the Indians had gone, we came 
out of our hiding-place and walked ten miles 
to another prospector’s camp, where we ate 
and slept that night, going the following day 
to a small mining-town.” 

44 That was absorbingly interesting and excit- 
ing,” said Ena, 46 and we thank you for telling 
us the story.” 

“Not at all, Miss Ena,” replied Mr. Mad- 
den; “for I really enjoy relating it, sitting 
where I am now.” 

At which the rest of the company smiled. 

“Speaking of Indians,” said Lindsley, “I 
remember once coming upon a friendly tribe 
in New Mexico.” 

“ Tell us your experience,” said Hilder. 

Answering her with a smile, he commenced : 

“A friend and I had been out hunting and 
lost our way. In trying to find it, we came 
across this Indian village. We had our field- 
glasses, and, as we looked down from the 
summit of the hill, we saw a company of 
Indians standing on a high wall, which sur- 
rounded their houses. I made this remark: 

44 4 Those are not Apaches, but I have no 
idea to what tribe they belong. This I do 
know, that the main road passes within 

179 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

twenty yards of that wall and that is what we 
have been hunting for these past two hours. 
Shall we take it or push on through the 
mountains? For now we will make for the 
Government Post.’ He thought a while and 
then said: 

‘“We had better take the road, and, as I 
know you are dying to have a powwow with 
those Indians, we will inquire the distance 
to the Post.’ 

“Now, I laughed at this, for he was really 
jealous of my ability to speak Spanish.” 

“Why, you never told me you were that 
talented,” broke in Hilder. 

“You don’t expect him to tell you all his 
accomplishments at once, do you, Hilder?” 
chided Ena. 

At this, her sister became very much con- 
fused, and, to shield her, Mr. Lindsley con- 
tinued : 

“We went toward the wall, and an Indian 
waved his hand at us. We reined in our 
horses, and, as we did so, a venerable man 
came forward with outstretched hand. I 
grasped it cordially, for he had a trustworthy 
face; but my friend pretended to be busy with 
his saddle and ignored the proffered hand. 
At this, the old chief seemed hurt. 

180 


Pursuing Indians 

“‘Can you direct us to the Post?’ I asked 
in Spanish. 

“‘You go road, heap long way, grass no 
good; you go trail, heap short way, lots grass, 
lots water, heap good way.’ 

But we do not know the trail,’ I answered. 

Little way, down road, see trail that way,’ 
indicating the direction by a wave of his hand. 

“Turning to my companion, I repeated the 
conversation. 

“‘Are you going to trust him? For all 
we know, there may be a company of them 
lying in ambush waiting to kill us.’ 

“‘Nonsense,’ I answered, ‘they have a good 
chance for that right now, if such were their 
intentions.’ 

“ The old man knew, although he could not 
understand us, that my friend mistrusted him, 
for he said : 

“‘He no like me.’ 

“ I pretended not to have heard him. Then 
he said again: 

“‘You go with me there?’ pointing to the 
wall. 

“Before answering him, I told my friend 
what he said, telling him of my intention to 
accept the invitation, for I was curious to see 
what was in that inclosure; but he refused. 

181 


In the Mountain’s Shadow 

“I would have been like your friend,” said 
Ena, “afraid to trust them that far.” 

“Well, I am glad, now, that I went, for it 
was really interesting. As we started off, 
I noticed that the old chief was always fol- 
lowed, at a respectful distance, by a number 
of young braves. We climbed the wall, 
which was eight feet high, by means of a 
ladder. On reaching the top, what was my 
surprise to see one of the Indians lift the 
ladder and put it down in a large opening in 
the roof of a house.” 

“I guess you felt rather queer,” suggested 
Hilder, “when you thought your last chance 
of freedom was being taken away.” 

“I can’t but acknowledge I did, but as I 
had gone that far, I would not show the white 
feather. So, when the old man descended, I 
followed, finding myself in a long room, in 
one side of which was a large fireplace, where 
they cooked their meals. In the top of the 
room was a long pole, where they hung their 
blankets in the morning when they went to 
work. The old chief motioned me to be 
seated on a sheep pelt beside him, telling a 
young squaw to prepare us something to 
eat. 

“It was interesting to watch her prepare 
182 


Pursuing Indians 

a thin cake of Indian corn and flour, and 
cook it on a hot stone. Then she made 
coffee from the coffee bean. When all was 
ready, she placed it before us. In the mean- 
time, the old chief entertained me with in- 
cidents which had occurred to him in the 
past. When we finished our repast, he es- 
corted me around the village. We stopped 
at a large room in the center of it and I asked 
its use. He said that many moons ago there 
was a great drought and all the corn was 
killed and many Indians died. Since then, 
each year, they used the old corn, replacing 
it with the fresh crop. 

“By this time, my friend was becoming 
impatient, so, after thanking the chief for his 
kind hospitality, I mounted the wall and went 
toward him. As we were riding along, I 
related to my companion my experience. I 
was especially struck with the way the women 
of the tribe were treated, so differently from 
the Apaches. Why, I have seen an Apache 
squaw carrying a bundle of wood on her 
back under which even a donkey would have 
staggered. On reaching the trail, we debated 
whether we should take it or the road. After 
much demurring on the part of my friend, 
he consented to take the former and we 

183 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

reached the Government post in safety.” 

“That certainly was an adventure,” said 
Hilder, “and you showed your courage to 
trust to that old Indian.” 

“ Don’t, Miss Hilder, flatter him too much,” 
said David Madden; “for he is even now a 
little proud of himself.” 

“Now, that’s pretty tough, David; but one 
consolation, there are others.” 

“I move that we retire,” said Ena, “or I 
shall be fighting Indians in my dreams.” 

“To avoid such a dreadful catastrophe,” 
said David Madden, “we will say good night.” 


184 


CHAPTER XXIV 
Lost on The Flat 


It was nearing Christmas time, and, as the 
ground was covered with snow, it made 
sleighing most delightful. 

“Say, girls,” said their brother-in-law, 
“ would you like to have a sleigh-ride to-day ? 
I’m going to Challis and would be glad of 
your company.” 

“That’ll be splendid!” exclaimed Ena, clap- 


“Why, yes, let the youngsters come,” said 
their father. “ I know the girls won’t mind.” 

“Not a bit,” answered Hilder; “we will 
love to have them.” 

By ten o’clock, the party started off in high 
glee, sleigh-bells ringing and merry laughter 
could be heard far down the road. Mrs. 
Drisco smiled at their enjoyment as she 
busied herself about her work. She was a 
woman that rarely cared to leave home, and, 
if she did, she would worry about something 


ping her hands in very ecstasy of delight. 

“ Our first sleigh-ride, just think of it!” 
“Me go, too, Mamma,” said little Clara. 


185 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

going wrong while she was away. 

The boarders had finished their dinner and 
Mrs. Drisco was clearing things up, when 
Rosabelle Pettibone walked in. 

“How are you, my dear?” she welcomed 
her. “Take this chair. I see you have 
taken advantage of this lovely day to be out. 
I’m sorry, but you will have to be entertained 
by me, as the girls have gone with Herbert 
and the children to Challis.” 

“That’s too bad; but you are a very good 
substitute, Mrs. Drisco,” replied Rosabelle, 
as she took the towel and commenced drying 
the dishes. 

“That is all unnecessary,” objected Mrs. 
Drisco. “You sit down and talk while I fin- 
ish these.” 

But the girl only smiled at her and con- 
tinued the work. 

“I came down to-day, Mrs. Drisco, to 
invite you all to a surprise party to be given 
at Mrs. Robinson’s on Friday night. It will 
be a basket-affair and I think we’ll have a 
good time.” 

“I feel sure of that, Rosabelle; for they 
have such a fine large house. The girls will 
enjoy it, too; Ena was asking me the other 
day, why they didn’t have some of those 
186 


Lost on The Flat 


ranch dances I used to write so much about.” 

“They are just commencing,” answered 
Rosabelle; “and we’ll have plenty of them 
before the winter is over.” 

“ Has your mother any rutabagas and 
carrots for sale, Rosabelle?” asked Mrs. 
Drisco. 

“I believe she has; but I will ask her and 
let you know the night of the dance.” 

Thus they continued conversing on the 
subject of gardening and ranch life in general, 
until Rosabelle rose to leave. Soon after her 
departure, Fanny heard the jingle of sleigh- 
bells and knew the travelers were returning 
home. 

“O what a grand time we have had, Fan!” 
exclaimed Ena, as, with rosy cheeks and 
sparkling eyes, she jumped from the sleigh. 

“ It certainly seemed to agree with you all,” 
she answered, “judging from your looks.” 

“Yes, Mamma,” said little Clara, “me had 
a good time, too, me bring ’ou some of my 
can’y.” 

“Bless the child!” exclaimed its mother, 
as she snatched her little one up in her arms 
and smothered her darling with kisses. Richie 
had remembered his mother, too, so he came 
in for his share of her caresses. 

187 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

“My! how those horses did go when we 
struck the stage-road,” said Hilder. “It was 
smooth as glass. How do they keep their 
footing so well, Herbert?” 

“They have shoes made for the purpose, 
what is called sharp-shod,” he replied. 

“Well, I thought there must be something 
out of the ordinary to keep them from slip- 
ping,” answered Hilder. 

“ I had a visitor while you were away. Can 
you guess who ?” announced Fanny. 

“Mrs. Pettibone,” suggested Ena. 

“Not exactly, but some one very near to 
her.” 

“O pshaw! I bet it was Rosabelle and we 
missed her; but I don’t think I would have 
given up my ride even for her,” said Ena. 

“You have guessed correctly,” replied her 
sister. “She came to invite us all to a sur- 
prise party at Mrs. Robinson’s; but the 
children and I won’t go. I don’t care about 
dancing, and it will be too cold for them; 
they wouldn’t enjoy it. But if Herbert wishes, 
he can go with you.” 

“That was nice of Rosabelle to ask us,” 
said Ena. “But did she say we were to meet 
at her house, Fanny?” 

“No, the ranches are too far apart for that. 

188 


Lost on the Flat 


Each party goes alone; but it will be a surprise 
to the lady of the house. There are two 
gentlemen here whom we all know very well; 
maybe they would like to join the party,” 
proposed Fanny. 

“ We can ask them,” said Hilder. 

The invitation was gladly accepted; but, 
at the last moment, Herbert backed out, say- 
ing that it was a shame to leave Fanny and 
the children alone. 

“The question now is, whether either of 
the gentlemen knows the way to Robinson’s 
ranch,” said Fanny. 

“ We can soon find out,” answered Herbert, 
and away he went to the cabin, returning 
with the information that Lester Blackmore 
would be their guide and driver. 

Friday night came and the party of four 
started out in a fine cutter. It was a pretty 
night; the sky, in which the stars and crescent 
moon shone with a cold, steady radiance, 
was absolutely clear, and the whole place 
seemed to sleep in nature’s cold embrace. 
While the horses pranced and the sleigh-bells 
jingled, the girls could not imagine anything 
grander. They had six miles to travel and 
expected to reach the ranch by nine o’clock. 
Everything was in good condition along the 

189 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

main road, but where it branched off, the 
way was covered with snow and the driver 
was puzzled. Keeping still for fear of alarm- 
ing the company, he took the direction that 
he thought was right. They rode and rode, 
but could see no signs of human habitation 
and the girls began to feel the cold. Finally 
the other man said: 

“ Look here, Blackmore, do you know your 
whereabouts ?” 

“I think I do,” he answered, and continued 
to drive on; but soon he was obliged to tell 
the bitter truth. 

What was to be done? Out there on that 
snow-covered plain, with nothing about them 
but high mountains, resembling white-robed 
sentinels mocking them, and the dismal cry 
of the coyote in the remote distance, while it 
grew colder and colder! To make the situa- 
tion more appalling, the sky had suddenly 
become overshadowed with dark clouds and 
the snow began to fall. The driver cursed 
himself under his breath for being the instru- 
ment that had led to such a predicament. 
He glanced over his shoulder, thinking he 
could follow the tracks back; but no, the snow 
had completely covered them. Just as hope 
seemed gone, Lester Blackmore exclaimed: 

190 



“Look there,” and he pointed to a black object in the 
distance. “I am sure it is a horseman.” 






































































































































































Lost on The Flat 


“Thank God, deliverance is at hand! 
Look there,” and he pointed to a black object 
in the distance. “ I am sure it is a horseman.” 

“Suppose it isn’t,” hinted Ena; “it might 
only be some animal.” 

“Don’t make such a suggestion, please,” 
said the driver, and the agony depicted in his 
voice told what the man was enduring. His 
surmise proved correct, however, and, as the 
man approached, he was questioned as to 
where Robinson’s ranch was. 

“Lost your way, have you? Well, turn 
around and follow me, for I’m making for the 
same place.” 

With heartfelt thankfulness, they followed 
their guide and reached their destination. 

Rosabelle, who had been anxiously watch- 
ing for their arrival, rushed out to meet them. 

“I thought you were not coming,” she 
said, as she kissed both girls. “My, how 
cold you are! Come in and get warm and 
tell me why you were so late.” 

The circumstance was related to her; after 
the shock had somewhat abated, she ex- 
claimed : 

“The booby! Next time he undertakes to 
pilot a party, I hope he’ll know what he’s 
about.” 


191 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

“Don’t censure him, Rosabelle,” protested 
Hilder; “the poor man did his best, and it 
was really the fault of the snow.” 

“That’s all right, but I don’t think it is 
excuse enough for him, nearly freezing you 
all to death. He should have acknowledged 
his ignorance when he left the main road,” 
declared Rosabelle, still indignant at the 
thought of her friends’ suffering. 

“If he had,” answered Ena, “we would not 
have been here at all, but have gone home; 
so you see, dear, things are never so bad that 
they might not be worse.” 

“ Well, as long as you are both safe, I 
suppose I must forgive him,” said Rosabelle. 

By this time, the girls had taken off their 
wraps, and, turning to put them on the bed, 
found the latter occupied by a number of 
babies, shawls, and various other things all 
heaped together. 

“Those young ones will smother,” pro- 
claimed Ena; “for see, even their faces are 
covered.” 

“No, they won’t,” said Rosabelle; “they 
are used to such treatment.” 

“ Come, let’s have this quadrille, Miss 
Ena ? ” asked John Pettibone. “ That’ll warm 
you up.” 


192 


Lost on The Flat 


“ With pleasure,” she answered, as she 
tripped away. 

The music of the old fiddler seemed to fit 
the occasion exactly and the nasal twang of 
the caller was really amusing, as he called 
out: “Swing your partners,” “All join hands 
and travel out West,” “Cage the Birdie,” 
“Birds hop out and crow hop in, three hands 
up and around again,” and various other 
changes. It reminded Ena of a regular 
darky breakdown at an old Southern planta- 
tion-home; but she enjoyed it thoroughly. 

When day began to dawn, and a number 
of the guests were leaving, Hilder and Ena 
thought it was time for them to be going; but 
the lady of the house insisted on their staying 
to breakfast. This struck the girls as being 
rather comical, but, as Rosabelle and John 
Pettibone remained, they consented also. 
They had a jolly time, leaving the ranch at 
ten o’clock. 


193 


CHAPTER XXV 
Hilder’s Marriage 


The remainder of the winter passed very 
pleasantly and spring came — not the warm, 
balmy one of the South, with its budding 
roses and its singing birds, but a cold, rainy, 
disagreeable spring, not at all to the girls’ 
liking. 

“Well, you see,” chided their brother-in- 
law, “ that this comes very nearly being 
winter still. We are very high up in the 
air, nearly six thousand feet, and warm 
weather comes slowly and don’t stay long. 
We sometimes have frost every month in the 
year. Last August there came a big hail- 
storm that cut down everything in the garden, 
and ruined a fine crop of oats. I have seen it 
snow on the Fourth of July right here.” 

“Well, I don’t think this is such a fine 
country, after all,” Ena replied. 

“A person grows used to it,” defended 
Herbert, “and, strange to say, when once 
you’ve lived here and go away, there is a 
longing to return. The place holds a fascina- 

194 


Hilder 9 s Marriage 

tion that is irresistible.” 

“It’s the climate and mountain scenery,” 
said Ena. 

One day, Hilder came into the room where 
Fanny and Ena were sitting, her cheeks 
mantled by a vivid blush and her beautiful 
eyes sparkling as she said: 

“Girls, I’m going to tell you a piece of 
news.” 

“ Something that Sonoby Lindsley has been 
telling you, I suppose,” teased Ena. 

“ Something that we have agreed upon 
together, my little sister, and it is this: we 
have decided to be married on the twenty- 
second of March.” 

“Will you be ready by that time?” asked 
Fanny. 

“O yes; I have my entire trousseau made 
and have only to finish my wedding dress.” 

“Well, we are willing for you to assume 
matrimonial felicity,” consented Fanny. 

So it was settled, and, as the days flitted 
by, a happier girl could not be found than 
Hilder Graham. As for Mr. Lindsley, he 
did such foolish, thoughtless things at the 
mine, that the owners laughingly said they 
would give him a “lay off” until after the 
event was consummated. The wedding day 
195 


In the Mountain’s Shadow 

dawned beautiful and clear, even warm, and, 
by eight o’clock that night, the Springs 
swarmed with guests; for they had made it 
a public affair. The evening ended in a big 
dance, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. 

Many and beautiful were the presents the 
bride and bridegroom received. They took 
a trip to Salt Lake City, and, on their return, 
went to the mine where Mr. Lindsley was 
superintendent. 

Walter Aldrich had come to Drisco Springs 
for the occasion and, one afternoon as he and 
Ena were sitting on the porch, he said: 

“A sad thing happened just before I 
started from Custer. We had a snowslide.” 

“Do tell me about it,” urged Ena. “I 
have often heard of them but never have 
had any described.” 

“This one came with a tremendous roar. 
The avalanche struck the surface plant of 
the mine, and, in a twinkling, all that was 
left to mark the spot was one of the offices. 
Below the mine, the mountain side is less 
steep and the slide lost its motion, to which 
fact is attributed the saving of twelve men 
who made the wild ride on top of the slide.” 

“What a cold vehicle!” said Ena, shudder- 
ing. 


196 


Hilder’s Marriage 


“I should say so, but the worst is still to 
come. The crash came as the miners were 
coming off the day shift. The slide razed 
the building and bunkhouse and swept the 
occupants down almost to the bottom of the 
canyon, hundreds of feet below. The dead 
and injured were recovered with difficulty 
from the debris.” 

“O, what a dreadful, dreadful thing that 
was!” said Ena, covering her face with her 
hands as if to shut out the awful mental 
picture of such a scene. 

“It certainly was,” he answered. “You 
have heard, perhaps, that a slide, as it loosens, 
gathers boulders, trees, and anything which 
is in its path, as it thunders down the pre- 
cipitous sides of the mountain. Well, this 
one did, and left the ground comparatively 
smooth.” 

“I would not like to live in a country 
where snowslides were of frequent occur- 
rence.” 

“No, it is not pleasant, the anticipation of 
such,” he answered. 

“Has Mr. Griscom been here since I left?” 
asked Mr. Aldrich. 

“No; we have not seen a sight of him. 
Fanny says that I have been the means of 
197 


In the Mountain’s Shadow 


depriving her of one of their best customers.” 

‘ Well, he counts for nothing, except in 
dollars and cents; and the few he let come 
this way, won’t lessen Mrs. Drisco’s pocket- 
book much.” 

“By the way, there is a question that I 
have long wanted to ask you,” said Ena. 
“How did Bayhorse get its name?” 

“It was years ago, when Custer County 
was overrun with Indians, so hostile that 
white men stayed away. A man, more daring 
than the rest of his brethren, mounted a 
large bay horse and passed through the 
country. On reaching Salmon City, he told 
of camping one night on a creek, where he 
saw indications of gold. 

“Although nearly a hundred miles away, 
the country was then so little known and 
miners were so eager for ‘placers,’ that a 
prospecting party was soon on its way 
thither. All they knew about the place was 
what the unknown man with a ‘bay horse’ 
had told them, and the description was so 
plain that they found no trouble in reaching 
the spot, outside of the hard climbing of the 
hills, through deep gorges, and fording of 
the river. Once there, they named the creek 
and gulch ‘Bayhorse,’ but found no placer 
198 


Hilder’s Marriage 

gold to pay for their trouble. However, there 
was lots of such game as deer, bears, goats, 
and sheep.” 

“It certainly was queer to name a town 
after the color of a horse,” said Ena. 

“Well, if you think that is peculiar, how 
about Ram’s Horn Mine ? Do you know 
how it got its name ?” 

“I do not,” answered Ena. 

“A hunter was once wandering over the 
mountains, when he saw a sheep; as the 
animal was running close to a precipice, he 
was pierced by a ball from the unerring 
aim of a rifle and he fell far below. The 
hunter soon made his way down to the animal 
and was rewarded, not only by finding a prize 
of excellent mutton, but the sheep had 
struck and knocked off some galena ore with 
his horns. The animal had not only un- 
covered some of the riches of the mountain, 
but his horns and the incident suggested the 
name for the great Ram’s Horn Mine, which 
has since yielded millions in silver, gold, and 
lead.” 

“Wasn’t that hunter fortunate,” said Ena; 
“but he certainly had queer tools to prospect 
with.” 

“Yes, the horn of a sheep,” said her corn- 
199 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 
panion, laughingly. 

The days glided by only too fast for Walter 
Aldrich, and there were times when the hot 
words of passionate love for Ena Graham 
would rise to his lips and only pride would 
choke them back; but he felt this could 
not last. Nature would assert itself and he 
would know his fate. She must love him, 
for why should she have refused so many, 
if her affections were not enlisted? Could 
they be for him! “O happy thought! If 
not, I could not marry even her; for, though 
lips press lips never so fondly and hand clasp 
hand never so closely and mind meet mind 
in the fullest illumination of friendship, yet 
would there be still a measurable distance 
between us. Contact is not union, though 
men in all ages have striven to persuade 
themselves that it is, and hence comes the 
pain, the anguish, the exquisite bitterness 
of true love, when it is felt by only one of 
the contracting parties. But why should I 
worry my brain with such a terrible thought ? 
I, somehow, feel as if I will never be sub- 
jected to such an ordeal.” 

But he left the place with sealed lips. 


200 


CHAPTER XXVI 
Rosabelle’s Visit 

“Fanny, can’t I ask Rosabelle to spend 
a week with me?” pleaded Ena, after Mr. 
Aldrich had gone and she was feeling lone- 
some indeed. 

“Why, of course; ask Herbert to drive you 
up this afternoon to Mrs. Pettibone’s and 
bring Rosabelle back with you.” 

Ena’s brother-in-law was agreeable, so, 
after getting the children ready, the four of 
them started off in a buckboard. As they 
proceeded, Ena was struck by the gray 
monotone of the flat, which was unbroken 
by any bit of color. The soil, the sage- 
brush, the dead grass, that had grown the 
summer previous, were all gray, unvaried 
except where a great rock or a bush taller 
than its companions cast a long, black 
shadow. In the distance were the mountains 
from whose snowy coverings long fingers of 
white ran down into the narrow canyons, 
seeming like white clasps holding the covering 
close in its place. Scattered on the gray 

201 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

plain were horses and cattle, most of them 
in little herds, but now and then a single 
animal was seen. 

“The flat is not a pleasing sight at this 
season of the year, Herbert,” remarked Ena. 

“No, but about two months from now it 
will take on a much prettier aspect.” 

“I hope this year, I will be more fortunate 
in getting those wild geraniums to grow,” 
resumed Ena. 

“Fanny has tried to cultivate them many 
times; but her efforts proved unsuccessful, 
they simply refuse to grow,” answered Herbert. 

“They would rather be where nature in- 
tended they should, I suppose.” 

“Yes, to decorate the flat and make it 
more restful to the weary traveler’s eye,” 
said Herbert. 

Thus they conversed until they reached 
the Pettibone ranch. As they stopped at the 
front gate, Rosabelle ran out to welcome 
them. 

“I’m so glad to see you, just get out and 
come right in,” she said to Ena and the 
children. “ Mr. Drisco, I will have to ask you 
to drive to the corral, as none of the men are 
about. You know where to put the horses, 
don’t you?” 


202 


Rosabellas Visit 


“I think I can find a place, Rosabelle,” 
he replied, as he started the team. 

“I have come on an errand similar to the 
one you came on last summer,” said Ena. “I 
want you to spend a week with me; can’t 
you?” 

“I think so, for Mamma can do without 
me now; there is not much work to do.” 

“ That’ll be fine, for I am so lonesome 
since Hilder has been away,” answered Ena. 

On stepping into the house, she was greeted 
by Mrs. Pettibone with open arms. 

“Well, jest take off your wraps and sit 
down. How’s Mrs. Drisco ? And if here 
beant the dear children. Come close to the 
stove, dears; it’s kinder chilly this afternoon.” 

Declining the kind invitation, they both 
sat down by Ena. 

“I came to ask you for Rosabelle for a 
while, if you can spare her, Mrs. Pettibone,” 
said Ena. 

“Well, do tell; of course she can go; and I 
suppose you two will have a fine time cleaning 
those russet cabins.” 

“She means rustic,” whispered Rosabelle. 

“What’s that you say?” asked her mother. 

“Nothing very much,” answered her daugh- 
ter with an indulgent smile. 

203 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

“By the way, did you hear about that 
disgraceful trick the dealers played on Mrs. 
Jones?” asked Mrs. Pettibone of Ena. 

“No, what was it?” 

“Well, Bill Jones went to the railroad to 
buy some goods and he sent them up ahead 
of him. So his wife got a letter from the 
dealer and in it he said she would find ‘bill’ 
inside of the box. Well, she was near crazy. 
She called to Jim to bring the hatchet quick, 
that his pa was in one of the boxes. Of 
course, they thought he was dead as he never 
said nothing. But, when all the boxes were 
opened, they found only a piece of paper 
with the things they owed for on it. I think 
it was disgraceful. I know if it had been me, 
I never would have got anything more from 
those people.” 

The girls were convulsed; but they dared 
not laugh, for fear of hurting the old lady’s 
feelings, and, fortunately for them, Mr. Drisco 
came in and attracted her attention; so she 
did not notice when they left the room. 

Nothing would do but they must all stay 
to supper. This they did and enjoyed it, 
too; for Mrs. Pettibone was a splendid cook. 
After the meal, they had a delightful ride 
home. 


204 


Rosabellas Visit 


Rosabelle had been at the Springs three 
days, when, one evening, John, her brother, 
and Bill Davis made their appearance, and 
said it was their intention to remain all night. 

“ We are glad to see you,” said Ena, as she 
shook hands with them both; but Bill Davis 
turned to see how Rosabelle took his coming. 
She smiled at him, which act was very reas- 
suring. There were some miners at the 
Springs, too, and with the cowboys, made a 
jolly company that assembled in the sitting- 
room that night. 

“ Won’t some one tell us an adventure, 
either about mines, Indians, or animals?” 
asked Ena. “I am not particular which, so 
long as it’s interesting.” 

“As for the latter, Miss Ena, I will leave 
that for you to judge,” said Bill Davis; “but I 
can tell you about the time we had last winter 
getting some cows out of a snow-drift.” 

“ Do, Mr. Davis,” requested Ena. 

“Well, it happened this way: a friend and 
myself were hunting cattle and we noticed 
some dark objects moving in a snow-drift a 
distance ahead of us. My partner said he 
thought they were cows, so, when we got up 
to them, sure enough, there stood two critters 
up to their middles in snow. It was a power- 

205 


In the Mountain’ s Shadow 

ful drift, too, over three feet deep. 

“Riding up to them, we soon saw that the 
cows had calves. They looked cold, hungry, 
and fierce-eyed, and they shook their heads, 
angrily, as we pushed our way toward them. 
We had to break a road with our horses, and 
then, lassoing the nearest one, we turned our 
horses and slowly dragged her out. The 
cow bellowed and struggled furiously and a 
pitiful, feeble cry came from the hole where 
she stood. We were obliged to throw a rope 
over the calf’s head and drag it out.” 

“Seems to me,” interrupted Ena, “that 
would have choked the little thing.” 

“Not if you are quick about it, Miss Ena,” 
answered Bill Davis. “If you are slow and 
shut its wind off too long, then you would kill 
it. Well, we pulled out the other cow and 
calf and they were soon ready to travel.” 

“Would they have died if left there much 
longer?” inquired Ena with keen interest. 

“No doubt of it, Miss, they could not 
have stood it; for the circulation would have 
stopped, then they would have been a goner.” 

“ Have any of you ever heard of an Indian’s 
Turkish bath?” asked one of the miners. 

“No, but we would like to,” answered 
Rosabelle. 


206 


Rosabellas Visit 


“What they call the sweat-bath is a cure- 
all warranted by the medicine-man of the 
tribe, to cure anything and everything, from 
sunburn to corns. It is taken in a very 
simple manner. When the Indian feels the 
languor of disease stealing over his frame, 
he hies himself to a brook, and, in some 
convenient place, by the side of a deep pool, 
builds himself a sweat-house. This house is 
built of willow and hazel poles, bent like the 
center wicket of a croquet set. Over these 
are wrapped skins and blankets, until the 
place is practically tight. An opening, just 
large enough to allow a man to crawl through, 
is left close to the ground, and this opening 
is covered with a flap, which may be tightly 
fastened from the inside when desired. When 
the house has been completed, the patient 
builds a fire close by and into it rolls a number 
of large stones, which he heats red-hot. He 
then retires to the interior of the house, 
accompanied by no clothes, the hot stones, 
and a large vessel of water. 

“He closes the door, pours the water over 
the stones, and endures a primitive, but, at 
the same time, an effective Turkish bath. 
When the sick man can stand the heat and 
steam no longer, he breaks from the house, 

207 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

followed by a cloud of steam, and perspira- 
tion dripping from every pore, and plunges 
headlong into the ice-cold depths of the pool.” 

“Why, the sudden change is enough to 
kill him,” said Ena. 

“It don’t seem to,” answered the miner. 
“The treatment is said to be effective for a 
great many diseases.” 

“ That accounts for Indians being such a 
hardy race,” said Rosabelle, “when they can 
endure things like that and yet live.” 

“Yes, they are blessed with great endur- 
ance,” answered Mr. Walker, another of the 
miners. “But they are educated to it from 
childhood. I know that the Comanche 
squaws take their children out and put 
them through a half medical, half disciplinary 
course of torture, which consists of harrowing 
up their young flesh with a row of long 
thorns inserted in a piece of wood. The 
child that cries or fails to bear its pain in per- 
fect silence, the child that begs to be spared 
or tries to escape, is always soundly beaten 
and held up to the public contempt, besides 
lacking in courage and endurance.” 

“How dreadful!” exclaimed the girls. 

“It certainly seems so to us,” answered 
Mr. Walker; “but they take it as a natural 

208 


Rosabellas Visit 


consequence. One piece of Comanche dis- 
cipline consisted in making the older children 
do without sleep or food as long as their 
instructors thought necessary; and still an- 
other, in making them perform hard tasks 
and run and walk great distances, while 
depriving them of their natural rest. The 
boys, of course, were subjected to more 
severe tests than the girls, but both suffered 
enough.” 

“O I’m glad I was not born an Indian!” 
exclaimed Ena. 

“If you had been, Miss Ena,” said John 
Pettibone, “all them things would seem jest 
right.” 

“That is true, I suppose,” she answered. 


209 


CHAPTER XXVII 
Great Expectations 


“ Here is a letter from Hilder,” said Fanny, 
as she entered Ena’s room; “let’s see what 
she says.” She opened the envelope and, 
taking out the missive, read it aloud. 

“Good,” said Ena, “they will be here to- 
morrow. I am so glad, for I am longing to 
see her.” 

“So am I,” answered her sister. “Don’t 
you think we can manage the grays now, 
Ena? Then we can drive to the bridge and 
let Herbert stay at home with the children. 
Mr. Lindsley will drive back, for we will 
meet the Bayhorse stage at that point.” 

“That is a lovely arrangement, sister mine,” 
answered Ena. 

As Mr. Drisco agreed, the two sisters 
started off just after their noon dinner, to 
catch the stage by which Hilder and her 
husband were to arrive. It was a very joyful 
occasion, for they had not met since the 
wedding. 

“ Well, how is everything flourishing in 
210 


Great Expectations 

Bayhorse, brother Sonoby?” asked Ena, with 
a merry twinkle in her bright eyes. 

“The place is in the greatest excitement; 
there is a prospect of selling the big Ram’s 
Horn Mine.” 

“Do tell us about it,” urged Fanny. 

“It’s too long a story to commence here,” 
said Hilder; “wait until we get home, then 
Sonoby will gratify your curiosity.” So other 
topics were discussed on their way home. 

When comfortably seated in the large 
sitting-room, Mr. Lindsley commenced his 
narrative : 

“You should see the street of Bayhorse! 
It has been literally swarming with men of 
every nationality, the cause of which is a 
deal that has just been consummated, merging 
all the smaller mines and prospects in the 
vicinity of Bayhorse into one big company, 
and a number of the men standing round 
owned some of these prospects, and had 
received a good figure for them. I heard one 
Italian telling another one that he intended to 
take his stake and return to Italy, where he had 
left his wife and children, but his companion 
was trying to persuade him to spend his 
money in the saloon.” 

“O wasn’t that contemptible in him!” 

211 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

exclaimed Ena. “I do hope that the man 
remained firm.” 

“He had, up to the time I left; but, you 
see, everywhere there are good and bad in- 
fluences being brought to bear against each 
other. An English Company had negotiated 
with the Bayhorse Company to buy the 
entire property, should their experts find it 
satisfactory. An immense force of men had 
been put on and the three thousand ton 
smelter was running full blast. Things 
around the camp looked pretty lively, I 
assure you.” 

“So I imagine,” answered Mr. Drisco; “but 
continue.” 

“The English expert, Mr. Walsh, arrived, 
and the superintendent of the Ram’s Horn 
escorted him through the mine and talked 
his prettiest. He told the expert what the 
mine contained. Now this part may not 
interest the ladies. Shall I continue?” 

“By all means,” said Fanny; “we are inter- 
ested in everything connected with a mine.” 

“ The superintendent told him that the 
mines of that belt were divided into two 
distinct classes. Their ores occurred as ir- 
regular deposits of carbonate and galena: 
lead-silver ore in limestone and as pronounced 

212 


Great Expectations 

fissure veins in slate, carrying high grade 
silver ore. The lead ores carried propor- 
tionally less than one ounce of silver to the 
unit of lead, in some instances carrying 
several dollars in gold to the ton of ore. 

“ The expert seemed very much pleased 
with this explanation and raised the superin- 
tendent’s hopes considerably by asking: 

“‘Are there any lead mines among the 
group ? ’ 

“‘O yes,’ he answered, ‘the principal ones 
occur in the limestone belt three miles below 
here,’ and he explained their nature. ‘The 
greatest advantage to these mines,’ he con- 
tinued, ‘is that they are perfectly dry at the 
bottom. The ore still alternates carbon and 
oxides.’ 

“It took the entire day for the inspection 
of these properties, and, as the superintendent 
told me afterwards, he had talked himself 
hoarse in behalf of the Company.” 

“He ought to have been paid extra for 
that exertion,” said Ena. 

“ Unfortunately, we all do not get our 
deserts in this life,” answered Mr. Lindsley. 
“ Well, that night, as Mr. Walsh was wending 
his way toward the hotel, he was met by the 
owners of the mines and feasted and feted 

213 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

until the small hours of the morning. After 
due consideration on the part of the expert, 
he reported favorably to his London company. 

“The enthusiasm of the Bayhorse com- 
pany was immense. But alas, for great ex- 
pectations! Before Mr. Walsh’s report had 
reached the company they had sent out 
another expert and his arrival in our camp 
struck terror to the hearts of the mine-owners; 
for, try as they would, they were unable to 
interest Mr. Eggleton. Even the superin- 
tendent failed in this quarter. All this gentle- 
man required was to be escorted through the 
mines, and, when a suggestion was offered, 
it was completely ignored. He gathered 
samples here and there, almost in perfect 
silence. 

“ The astonishment of the owners knew 
no bounds when they saw this expert — earn- 
ing fifteen thousand dollars a year — go and 
smelter the ore himself.” 

“Was that really the case?” exclaimed 
Mr. Drisco. “No wonder you were all sur- 
prised.” 

“And kept in a state of nervous excite- 
ment too, for Mr. Eggleton never ventured 
even an opinion. At last one of the men 
asked him what he thought of the outlook. 

214 


Great Expectations 
The reply was: 

“‘Your timber facilities are fine and your 
water supply excellent.’” 

“And not one word regarding the mines!” 
said Fanny. “How annoying that must have 

“It truly was,” answered Mr. Lindsley, 
“ and, during his entire stay, he simply 
ignored any courtesy which they wished to 
show him. After reviewing all the mines, 
Mr. Eggleton left as suddenly as he had 
appeared. On his arrival in London, the 
English Company sent a polite refusal of the 
Bayhorse property.” 

“That was discouraging,” said Mr. Drisco. 
“ I suppose the place is a sorry camp now.” 

“It certainly is; but the greatest loser, 
they tell me, is Arthur Griscom. He bought 
in so many of the smaller claims and now 
he is almost broke.” 

“ Serves him right,” said Hilder. “ It would 
please me to see him carrying his blankets 
out of Bayhorse.” 

“For shame, Hilder,” rebuked Ena; “even 
I would not wish anything so mean, as much 
as I dislike him.” 

“You would, though, and worse, if you 
knew it all,” blurted out her sister. 

21 5 


In the Mountain's Shadow 


“Why, Hilder,” said her husband, “I 
thought you were not to betray the secret.” 

“Well, dear, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t 
help it; but he deserves to be told on.” So 
she related the incident regarding Mr. Ald- 
rich’s dismissal from the mine. 

The look of contempt and scorn depicted 
on Ena’s face could not be rivalled, as she 
said: 

“ The horrible wretch ! He certainly de- 
serves the worst. Does Mr. Aldrich know 
these facts ? 

“I am sure he guessed it,” answered Mr. 
Lindsley, “but did not trouble himself to 
investigate matters.” 

“ O how I hate that man ! ” and the vehement 
way in which Ena spoke that sentence caused 
others to smile. 


216 


CHAPTER XXVIII 


The Death of Mr. Pettibone 

It was toward the end of May and, although 
the first big raise of the Salmon River — 
caused by the melting of snows in the moun- 
tains — had somewhat subsided, the stream 
was still rushing with maddening force over 
its rocky bed, and fording was considered 
dangerous; so, when Mr. Pettibone declared 
his intention of doing it, they were all horrified. 

“ Rosabelle, tell your mother that I’m 
going to Challis with some potatoes.” 

“You won’t ford, Alfred, will you?” asked 
his wife, who had overheard the remark. 

“Why, yes; the upper ford is good even 
now, and I’m not afraid to try it.” 

“But, Papa, it’s awfully deep. Bill Davis 
was telling me, only yesterday, that he started 
to cross on horseback but found it too deep 
to venture, and to-day has been so warm 
that it must have raised the river considerably 
more.” 

“ O pshaw! Haven’t I lived in this country 
long enough to understand that stream? I 

217 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 

have forded it every spring, too; now, folks, 
don’t be worried, for I’ll be home this after- 
noon.” 

With a feeling of misgiving, Rosabelle 
saw her father depart, and nothing she could 
do seemed to interest her. She felt nervous 
and excited; finally she could endure it no 
longer, and she went in search of her brother. 

“John,” she said, “saddle your horse and 
follow Papa, I feel so uneasy.” 

“Now, sis, you know how angry Pa’d be, 
if I did.” 

“But he needn’t know it. If he gets 
across all right, you can make up some 
excuse for being there. Chances are, he will 
never notice you.” 

“ Wait till I feed them calves,” he answered, 
“then I’ll go.” 

“No, you must start right now; I am all 
impatience,” said the girl. 

“ I’ll be blest if I don’t think it is all foolish- 
ness, but jest to please you, I’ll go.” 

He took so long to get ready, that Rosabelle 
was almost frantic; finally, with a sigh of 
relief, she saw him galloping down the road. 
If all was right, she knew that John would 
soon return ; so she busied herself as best 
she could. He started at ten o’clock, surely 
218 


The Death of Mr. Pettibone 

he ought to be back by eleven; but no, that 
hour came and passed and he did not come. 
Twelve, one, two, and three! What could 
have happened P The girl was wild with 
fear, yet she dared not alarm her mother. 
At four o’clock, she saw her brother coming 
down the road and ran to meet him. When 
he saw her coming, he almost wished himself 
dead; for how could he break to her the sad, 
sad news ? 

“John, where is Father?” screamed the 

girl- 

“ O sis, child, I have the worst of news for 
you!” 

“What has happened to him; quick, John, 
I can bear it, anything but this terrible 
suspense.” 

“Rosabelle, he’s drowned!” 

“My God! My God!” groaned the girl. 
“ I felt it was going to happen. O Papa, why 
were you so headstrong!” and sobs shook 
her so that she fell to the ground. 

John waited with tear-filled eyes and sup- 
pressed feelings, until his sister’s first burst 
of grief had somewhat subsided; then he 
assisted her to rise and they walked on 

, John, tell me how it happened.” 

219 


together. 

“Now 


In the Mountain’s Shadow 

“When I got to the river, Pa was jest in 
the middle of it and I thought he was going 
to git through all right, when, suddenly, the 
big roan began kicking and plunging furiously. 
I tried to urge my horse into the water, but 
he wouldn’t go. I beat him, I spurred him, 
I coaxed and patted him; but all he would 
do was to rear and buck. While I was trying 
to get him in, O Rosabelle! I looked up and 
there I saw the wagon had turned over and 
everything was going down the river.” 

The girl gave a terrified scream. “John! 
John! How can we stand it? The blow 
will kill Mamma. What shall we do?” 

The young man placed his arm affection- 
ately about his sister and tried to comfort her. 
Then he continued: 

“When I saw I couldn’t do him no good, 
I put spurs to my horse, which, at that moment, 
I could have killed, I hated him so, and made 
for Challis as fast as I could to give the alarm. 
There I met Mr. Drisco, who said he would 
send some of the women folks up here as 
soon as he got home.” 

“ John, will you tell Mamma ?” 

“If I can,” for already, the strong young 
fellow was convulsed with pent-up sobs. 
They all loved the quiet, gentle father, who 

220 


The Death of Mr . Pettibone 

had gone, for he had worked and toiled so 
patiently for them. 

When they reached the house and entered 
it, Mrs. Pettibone called out: 

“Rosabelle, is that your Pa?” 

“No, Mamma, it is John.” 

“ Well I declare, it’s surely time for Alfred 
to be coming home; he said he’d not stay 
long in Challis.” 

There was an awful pause, then their 
mother said : 

“What ails you both? Are you dumb? 
Why don’t you say something?” 

They looked pleadingly at each other, then 
John, mastering himself with a great effort, 
answered : 

“ Ma, Pa forded the river.” 

“Well, what of that? I knew he would; 
a headstronger man never lived than that 
same Alfred Pettibone. When he took a no- 
tion in his head, he’d be bound to carry it out. 
But how do you know ?” 

All this time, she had been in her bedroom; 
but now, as she asked this question, she 
entered the kitchen, and, looking from one of 
her children to the other, saw that something 
was amiss. 

“Why don’t you speak, John, and tell me 
221 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

what’s the matter with you both? Folks 
would think you had seen a ghost, you look 
so scared and white.” 

“Ma, Pa tried to ford and — and — ” 

“And what, duncy? Why don’t you say 
it?” 

“And he was drowned,” he blurted out. 

The woman stood stupefied at the news, 
and Rosabelle thought she might have broken 
the news softer than that. 

“John! John!” his mother cried, “don’t 
tell me your Pa’s drowned! Don’t, my son, 
have pity on your old mother and say you 
were only joking,” and she tried to laugh. 

Rosabelle caught her in her arms and 
sobbed: “Mamma, Mamma, would that we 
could say it was not so; but John saw him 
and the team go down Salmon River.” 

“Tell me about it, John,” the old lady 
quietly said, as Rosabelle gently led her to a 
chair. 

After the recital, his mother looked at 
them, saying: 

“I don’t believe a word of it. I won’t be- 
lieve it, so there. I know he will come home 
to-night and then won’t you feel ashamed 
of torturing your poor old mother,” and with 
that she got up and walked into her bedroom. 


The Death of Mr. Pettibone 

Rosabelle followed her and found she was 
not even crying, but had taken up some work 
and was busying herself with it. Her daughter 
never spoke, seeing that her mother was 
firm in the belief that her husband would 
return, but went back into the kitchen, where 
her brother was. 

Meanwhile Mr. Drisco had left Challis and 
entered his own home with the bad news. 

“O Hilder!” exclaimed Ena, bursting into 
the room, “ Herbert has brought us most 
dreadful tidings.” 

“What is it, Ena?” she asked. 

“ Why, Mr. Pettibone was fording the 
river and his wagon turned over and he was 
drowned. A party from Challis are on the 
other side of the river, hunting for his body, 
and Herbert and the hired man are going 
down on this side.” 

“Oh, how sad! It will be a terrible blow 
to his family, for they were devoted to him,” 
said Hilder. 

“It will most kill Rosabelle, I know it will,” 
and Ena broke down and sobbed bitterly. 
After a few minutes, she continued: 

“And, Hilder, Fanny thinks I ought to go 
immediately to them, and I won’t know what 
to say.” 


223 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

“God will give you strength and words of 
consolation to say to that grief-stricken family/’ 
comforted her sister, tenderly. “Yes, Ena, 
go to Rosabelle; she will be so glad of your 
assistance and comfort/’ 

Just then Fanny entered the room, saying: 

“Is it not dreadful, Hilder? Herbert says 
he thinks I ought to go with Ena and stay 
with them until they find the body. Do you 
think you can get along here without me?” 

“ Certainly, and I am glad of this arrange- 
ment.” 

As Ena was preparing herself for the 
journey, at the end of which she was to find 
so much sorrow and suffering, she shuddered, 
but immediately afterward, chided herself. 
“How little sympathy I must have for Rosa- 
belle in my soul, when it is so hard to look 
forward to speaking words of comfort to her. 
It seems to me I would rather give her all I 
possess outright, than attempt to console her 
for her loss. And yet, what is there in life 
more sweet than to be consoled and com- 
forted and to feel the true sympathy of some 
one, even a little near to us, when we are in 
deep sorrow. Feeling thus, I even torture my- 
self by being afraid to speak when I know 
that my words of love and comfort will 

224 


The Death of Mr. Pettibone 

cheer her. I will take courage and do all in 
my power to help her.” After coming to 
this conclusion, Ena felt much better, and, 
as she and Fanny drove along, they con- 
versed over the sad event. 

Rosabelle saw them as they drove up and 
rushed out to meet them, saying: 

“I am so glad you’ve come; we are in 
such deep trouble and despair over Mamma. 
She will insist that Papa is not dead, but will 
be home to-night. I sometimes wonder if 
the shock has not unbalanced her mind. 
O Mrs. Drisco, it’s so awful!” and Rosabelle 
gave way entirely. 

Fanny held the heart-broken girl in her 
arms and soothed her as if she were a child. 
Then Ena took her gently by the hand and 
led her into the house. Mrs. Drisco walked 
into the room where Mrs. Pettibone was 
knitting. On seeing her, she said : 

“Well now, I’m real pleased to see you, 
Mrs. Drisco; this is really a surprise, for you 
come so seldom. Take off your hat and sit 
down.” 

Mrs. Drisco did as she was asked, then she 
commenced chatting about what was happen- 
ing at the Springs. Finally Mrs. Pettibone 
remarked : 


225 


In the Mountain' s Shadow 


“Now would you believe, Mrs. Drisco, that 
my own children told me that their father 
was drowned? What do you think of that?” 

“Well, I would not believe it unless I had 
to,” she answered. 

“Now you don’t believe any such nonsense, 
do you ?” 

Not daring to answer that pointed question, 
Mrs. Drisco said: 

“When did your husband leave home?” 

“This morning early, and I am looking for 
him back any minute. I made the children 
wait supper for him, for I know he will be 
hungry when he gits back.” 

Was the woman insane, or did she really 
believe he was not dead? These questions 
puzzled Fanny Drisco. If the latter, what a 
horrible awakening it would be, when his 
body was brought home ! She shuddered 
even to think of the effect it would produce. 
At ten o’clock, they persuaded Mrs. Pettibone 
to retire; but, for the rest, there was no sleep 
until the early morning hours, and then the 
horrible thought on awakening, as to what 
that dread day would bring forth! 

Very little could be done by the hunting- 
party the evening previous; they, of course, 
found the wagon and dead horses, but the 

226 


The Death of Mr. Pettibone 

body of Mr. Pettibone had not been with them. 
Early next morning, one of the party saw it 
caught on some driftwood and it was released. 
When brought ashore and examined, it was 
found that Mr. Pettibone had not been 
drowned. He had been killed first by a 
knock on the head. 

“Now we can understand why Alfred 
Pettibone did not swim out,” said one of the 
men, sadly. 

They carried the remains home and, for- 
tunately, his wife was not in the house when 
they were brought in. Ena was sent by some 
of the neighbors to caution Mrs. Drisco to 
keep her out until her husband was prepared 
for burial. When this last sad rite had been 
performed, they sent for them. Meanwhile, 
Mrs. Drisco had somewhat prepared Mrs. 
Pettibone for the ordeal before her; but only 
half-convinced, the latter went into her house. 

We will draw the veil over her terrible 
sufferings when she realized her beloved one 
had been taken from her. After a consider- 
able period, she grew calm enough to say : 

“Mrs. Drisco, do you think that God is 
merciful and just, when he will allow that?” 
pointing to her dead husband. 

“Mr. Pettibone was wilful; he acted against 

227 


In the Mountain’s Shadow 

the wishes of his entire family, and, if he 
could testify for himself, I think he would 
say, even against his better judgment, so he 
took his life in his own hands and — ” 

“Lost it,” whispered his wife, softly, as 
she gazed on the face of the man she loved. 

This answer of Mrs. Drisco’s seemed to 
quiet her more than anything else ; but nothing 
could persuade her to leave the corpse. She 
sat by it through the long, dreary night. 

Directly behind the house rose majestically 
a high cliff of rocks. Mr. Pettibone had 
always requested to be buried there; now a 
grave was blasted out of the solid rock and 
the pall-bearers took his remains up the zig- 
zag path to their last resting-place, followed 
by the mourners. 

Mrs. Drisco left next day, but Ena remained 
with her friend to cheer and comfort her. 


228 


CHAPTER XXIX 


A Consummation 

One lovely July afternoon, Ena Graham 
was seated in one of the rustic chairs that 
adorned the lawn at Drisco Springs, her 
hands lying listlessly in her lap and a far- 
away, dreamy expression in her eyes. As if 
by magic, the object of her thoughts was seen 
coming up the road; his light and elastic 
step seemed the embodiment of agility and 
strength. 

“Well, this is fortunate !” Walter Aldrich 
exclaimed, as he hastened toward her with 
outstretched hand. 

“This certainly must be mesmerism of 
thought, for mine were of you.” 

“ Were you thinking good of me ?” he asked. 

“Not very,” was the response, “for I was 
wondering if you had forgotten the girl at 
the Springs, seeing it has been nearly two 
weeks since I have heard from you.” 

“ Come, then, with me, and, in the shadow 
of yon mountain, I’ll relate what my heart is 
bursting to tell.” 


229 


In the Mountain’s Shadow 

A flush of pleasure mantled her brow as 
she walked beside him. For a few moments, 
there was silence, moments of ecstasy, of joy 
unspeakable, for she felt now that he would 
declare his love. 

After being comfortably seated, Mr. Aldrich 
said: 

“In the first place, Ena, has your heart 
never told you of my love ? That has been 
the state of my feelings toward you since first 
we met; but poverty intervened and prevented 
the consummation of my desires. Now, there 
has come a change; my father died and 
bequeathed me fifty thousand dollars. My 
hope and dream may now be realized, the 
former of marrying you, with a proviso” — 
here his bright eyes twinkled — “the latter 
of becoming a lawyer. Tell me, darling, will 
you trust your happiness to my keeping?” 

“It has taken you such a lengthy time to 
declare your feelings, that I have really for- 
gotten whether I love you, and a little time 
will be required to brush up my memory.” 

“But I have given you my reason! How 
could I ask you to be my wife, knowing the 
inconvenience you would have to submit to, 
if you accepted — that of being taken from one 
mining-camp to another, or else kept alone 

230 


A Consummation 


much of the time. No, Ena, dearest, I loved 
you too much for that.” 

Here his brown eyes took on a look of 
intense feeling, as he reached over and took 
her hand, saying: 

“Sweetheart, have I loved you in vain?” 

“Not quite,” she teasingly answered. 

“Well, then, why so reticent? Tell me if 
you love me and relieve my suspense.” 

“ Can’t you restrain your impatience better 
than that, Mr. — I mean, Walter?” 

“You tantalizing darling!” he exclaimed, 
as he clasped her in his strong arms. “ I know 
now you do love me and I challenge a denial.” 

“There’s no need of one,” she said, looking 
with tender affection at him. 

Here in the shadowy dusk, a kiss was given 
and taken and two lives had bound themselves 
with one chain. A change had come over 
them and life could never be quite the same 
again. The night air was becoming cool, 
so they walked to the house and into the 
sitting-room. Here Mr. Aldrich disclosed to 
Ena his plans. 

“I have been studying law, sweetheart, for 
the past three years, hoping to save enough 
money to attend school; but, somehow, a 
miner’s money goes easily and I fell short. 

231 


In the Mountain's Shadow 

This legacy will enable me to gratify my 
every wish. We will settle in Portland, 
Oregon, dearest, a city of sunshine and flow- 
ers, very much like your Southern home.” 

“Won’t that be lovely, Walter!” she ex- 
claimed with enthusiasm. 

“Say my name again, darling; for it sounds 
like sweet music from your lips.” 

Bending over, she softly whispered : “ Wal- 
ter, I love you.” 

How long they had been sitting, wrapped 
in each other’s company, was uncertain, but 
they were startled by a vigorous knock at the 
door. When they opened it, there stood 
David Madden and Frank Walker. 

“No intrusion, I hope,” said Madden. 

“Certainly not, Mr. Madden,” said Ena. 
“ Why do you think so ?” 

“ Well, to be candid, Miss Ena, things 
looked a little suspicious, that’s all.” 

“Looks are sometimes very deceiving,” she 
laughingly answered; “so walk right in, gen- 
tlemen, and be seated.” 

“Who do you think has gone to Nevada, 
Aldrich?” asked Mr. Walker. 

“I couldn’t guess.” 

“Jack Brown; you remember him, the 
Adonis of Bayhorse?” 


232 


A Consummation 


“Sure, he was a good sort of a fellow, but 
horribly conceited.” 

“ I remember,” continued Mr. Walker, “he 
and I had claims adjoining, and we used to 
exchange calls and even occasionally dine 
with one another. Well, one night, there 
was a dance in Challis, and Jack wanted to 
attend; but Dame Fortune had not smiled 
on him for quite a while, so his clothes were 
the worse for wear. In fact, he was obliged 
to wear a long-tailed coat to hide a deficiency 
in his trousers. When we arrived in the 
town, I said: 

“‘Now, Jack, there are a number of pretty 
girls here, and, as you are a fine dancer and 
a pretty good-looking chap, I know you will 
have a splendid time at the dance.’ 

“‘That I will, Frank,’ he said, craning his 
long neck to its uttermost; ‘for I know few 
can beat me on the light fantastic.’” 

“ Weren’t you ashamed to poke fun at him 
in that manner?” teased Ena. 

“No, we were not, Miss Ena,” answered 
Mr. Walker; “for he was guy enough to 
swallow all we said. Next day, I met him 
and I said: 

“‘How went the dance. Jack?’ 

“ ‘ Well, I’ll tell you, my friend, the Challis 

233 


In the Mountain's Shadow 


girls have not the manners of a pig in a pig- 
pen.’ Then I knew he had been snubbed.” 

“ That was not a very elegant comparison,” 
said Ena. 

“Wait until I tell you what had ruffled his 
feathers and you won’t blame him very 
much. I said: 

“ 6 What’s the trouble, Jack ? ’ 

“ 4 Well, I went over to that long, lean Miss 
Darcy and asked her, with my best grace, 
to waltz with me, and she said she was too 
tired.’ I nearly laughed aloud at the sarcastic 
way he repeated this sentence. ‘And would 
you believe it,’ he continued, ‘in about three 
minutes, that tall, lanky James Blower came 
along, and she got up and danced with him. 
My, what a figure he did cut on the floor! 
He couldn’t dance a little bit; but she pre- 
ferred him because he had a starched shirt 
on, while my clothes,’ looking dolefully at 
them, ‘ were none too shiny.’ 

“Now, really, the matter was, they were 
all too shiny,” explained Mr. Walker. 

“‘What did you do, then, Jack?’ I asked. 

“‘Why, I just asked another girl to dance 
and we made it a point of following that 
couple up. Didn’t I cut a pigeon’s wing and 
fancy step around there, O no! I showed 
234 


A Consummation 


that Miss Darcy where she had missed it!’” 

“Wasn’t he ridiculous ?” said Ena. 

“You rightly name him, Miss Ena,” said 
Mr. Walker. “He was very fond of singing 
too, and one of the boys had only to ask him 
and he would continue until it grew monoton- 
ous. We told him if only his voice had been 
cultivated, he needn’t have been there at the 
mine drilling ore. He drew himself up and 
said: ‘That’s what so many have said.’” 

“Let’s change the subject,” said David 
Madden, “ and talk about rats.” 

“Rats! Why, Mr. Madden, have you any- 
thing interesting to tell us of them?” 

“Why, yes; did you ever see a wood-rat’s 
nest ?” 

“No,” replied Ena; “but I’ve heard that 
it was a curiosity.” 

“So it is; I was reading a book not long 
ago written by one of the most eminent 
naturalists of the day, in which he says that 
every bird and beast ever created always 
worked with some object in view, and I 
thought of a wood-rat. When I was at the 
Ram’s Horn Mine, you know, Aldrich, how 
the roof of the bunk-house extended into the 
mountainside and ran along until at the 
other end of it there was a pitch off of some- 
235 


In the Mountain s Shadow 

where near fifty feet?” 

“Yes; I remember it perfectly.” 

“ One night a lot of us were talking and we 
heard a pitter-patter on the tin roof. We 
paid little attention to it until it continued 
for so long it became annoying. Knowing it 
was a wood-rat, we determined to see what 
it was about, so we watched him. We saw 
him go to the mountainside, take a stone in 
his mouth, run along the roof to the bunk- 
house, and drop it down the hole. He con- 
tinued that all night, and, next night, one of 
the men shot him because we could not sleep. 
Now, what object had that wood-rat in view. 
I’ll like to know? For he could not have 
filled up that place in a thousand years.” 

“None at all, he evidently must be kept 
busy,” answered Walter Aldrich. “I remem- 
ber once,” he continued, “one of the men at 
the mine had left some ten-penny nails in 
the tunnel, and next day he went to look for 
them, to find they had disappeared. He 
stormed around there considerably, saying 
a person could not even put nails down, but 
what they would be stolen. We let him 
blow himself out, then one of the men sug- 
gested quite calmly that maybe a wood-rat 
had carried them off. 


236 


A Consummation 


“‘Wood-rat, nonsense,’ he said. ‘What 
would he want with nails ? ’ 

“‘What do they want with knives, forks, 
spoons, pipes, and such like?’ was suggested.” 

“That must have been the same time 
that the Chinaman cook was going to be dis- 
charged for stealing all the dried fruit and 
candles,” remarked David Madden, “and we 
found the nest when we were prospecting in 
the side of the mountain and it contained all 
the missing articles, even the nails.” 

“That’s it,” replied Mr. Aldrich; “I forgot 
you were there at the time.” 

“ What peculiar animals they must be,” * 
observed Ena, “ always busy at something 
useless to themselves.” 

“And I imagine,” added Mr. Walker, “that 
they are not the only ones to be found.” 


237 


CHAPTER XXX 


Conclusion 

When Ena’s engagement became known, 
it was the cause of both rejoicing and sorrow- 
ing, for now Mrs. Drisco would again be 
left without the companionship of her sisters. 
When Fanny was deploring this condition to 
her husband, he remarked: 

“ Really, my dear, what else could you 
expect, bringing two bright, fascinating girls 
out here where men are so much in the 
majority and sadly in need of wives? Did 
you think they were proof against all ‘manly 
charms’ ?” 

“O hush, Herbert,” replied his wife, “you 
always have to say something ridiculous.” 

“As if we can’t have ‘charms’ as well as 
the fair sex, I’d like to know. The wonder 
to me is that Ena stayed single so long, 
knowing the number she had to choose from; 
but, if the truth were known, she would have 
left us before, had Walter Aldrich asked her; 
for I believe he has been her preference 
from the first. There she is now, you can 

238 


Conclusion 


l 


ask her,” he said, on leaving the room. 

“I heard my name taken in vain. Fan, 
what were you saying about me?” asked Ena. 

“ We were talking of your approaching 
nuptials and how we disliked the idea of 
your leaving us, my little sister.” 

“Well, Fan, I can say this much, that my 
visit with you will always stand out a bright 
spot to be kept ever green in my memory, 
and often, after our marriage, will be a topic 
of conversation,” and she threw her arms 
about her sister and kissed her. 

A few words about the Pettibone family, 
and our story ends. After long and per- 
sistent wooing on the part of Bill Davis, 
Rosabelle at last consented to become his 
wife. Mrs. Pettibone stayed at the ranch 
and kept house for her son, who remained 
unmarried. 


The End. 


239 


v> 


§ 
<& 
© 
§ 
§ 
§ 
<& 


§ 

§ 

<& 

§ 

& 

<& 

§ 

§ 


© 

§ 

§ 

© 

§ 

& 


Climbing Up 
to Nature 

:::: By FLORENCE J. LEWIS : : : : 
READ ABOUT 


Mrs. Jawkins’ tea party — 

The grocery man’s free outing to his “ paid-ups ” — 
The Christmas supper at the church — 

The droll characterization of Miss Beals, Miss Pip, 
the Widow Smith, and other dwellers in McCor- 
mack’s Circle, and you will laugh as you have 
not laughed over any book in many a long day. 

^3" Scintillating with delicious humor, full of just the kind 
of natural fun we have all hugely enjoyed at times, but 
have never had the wit to put into words, its drollery 
V7 flashes back at us in every chapter like the ripples of a 
sunny brook. 

One chapter of such a story is worth a cartload of 
problem ” novels. 


§ 


But with all its fun, there is an underlying sympathy 
for the homely characters so faithfully and good-humoredly 
<^1 protrayed. The efforts of the gifted and lovable heroine 
^ to lift them out of their narrow interests, and her own 


charming romance, lend beauty and harmony of purpose 
to this brilliant story. 

Through the whole book runs a delightful acquaintance 
with Nature, that softens and sweetens its exuberant fun. 

Fully illustrated , handsomely bound 
Price , $1.50 

AT ALL NEWSDEALERS OR SENT PREPAID BY 


§ THE C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO. 

Boston, Massachusetts 

V7 






| PATHS CROSSING 

§ A ROMANCE OF THE PLAINS 


By MAUDE CLARK GAY 
Author of “ The Knitting of the Souls” 

There is in this story such a thread of 
beauty and power, the magic of its style 
is so rare, so sweet, that its laurels must 
grow brighter with the passing of time. 


§ 


§ 

§ 

<§- 

§ 

§ 

& 

<gi 

g f — | — ^WO Eastern girls, — orphans and sisters, — ^ 
g I go to Oklahoma to teach in the Indian g 
schools. The romance of their beauty, the tx 




§ 


tragedy of their love for the same man, the {§> 


<g. serpent trail of his past, heroic sacrifice, revenge, -g> 
^ despair, triumph, — all these strands are woven with rg, 

2— ■*' frviion + nn moo + ot* n -f old ^ 


L11C hUIC lUULll UI L11C lllctai/Cl llclllU. Ill LU Ct taiC UI 111 * rp? 

tense dramatic fire and pathos and beauty. "g 

I THE GOLDEN WEST I 

<§} The author has lived her Golden West, — the {§> 
<§- glory, the color, the freedom of this land of en- -£§> 
<g. chantment are painted as she has seen it. Her _g> 
£1 hero, heroine, desperadoes, scenes, plot, — all are rpi 
drawn with the broad and breezy strength that 
the boundless sweep of the plains inspires, and the "g 
V; leaven of love works in its own mysterious way, {§* 
<§}- always new and enchanting. {§> 

Handsomely Bound. Striking Illustrations § 


© 

<& 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 


Price $1.50 


AT ALL BOOKSELLERS OR SENT PREPAID BY 

THE C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO. 
Boston, Massachusetts 


■& 

■& 

■& 

§ 





| Little Betty 
| Marigold and 
| Her Friends 


§ 

§ 
§ 
§ 

© 
© 

§ 
€> 
§ 

€> 

§ 
€> 
€> 
§ 
■& 
€> 
§> 
€> 
€> 
§ 
€> 
■& 
€> 
€> 

§ AT ALL BOOKSELLERS OR SENT PREPAID BY €> 

§ THE C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO. j| 

§ Boston, Massachusetts § 

<§} -& 


§ 

© 

§ 

«§• 

& 

§ 

<& 

<& 

<& 

§ 

§ 

© 

§ 

§ 

© 


By CARRO FRANCES WARREN 

In the whole realm of child literature no such quaint 
and delightful story has made its appearance in years. 

The Pansy, Forget-me-not, Primrose and other lovely 
flower children in this tale will irresistibly appeal to little 
readers. 

A wealth of pictures, all in colors, shows these sweet 
little flower folk in their wonderful garden home playing 
games and having other good times just as real children 
do. 

To any little girl, between the ages of four and twelve, 
sending us this page and a two-cent stamp, we will send 
four beautiful colored pictures from this book. 

This book has been added to the list of Teachers’ 
Reference Books for Primary Grades in all the schools 
of Somerville, Mass. 

14 colored illustrations by Wallace Goldsmith 
Dainty and artistic cover. Price , 75 cents 




§ 


sWOODHULL 

§■ 

§■ By PLINY BERTHIER SEYMOUR {§. 


€> 

© 

§ 

§ 


§ 

§ 


§ T 1 

<& A 


§ 


^HERE can be no more fascinating back- 
ground for a story than that romantic age 
of pioneer days in the Sunny South. In 
x> “ Woodhull ” Mr. Seymour’s pen has caught the & 
<§} witchery of the period, and his readers must {§> 
<g} perforce yield to the spell the tale casts about -g> 
§ them. § 

<§} The son of an English gentleman living in North 
Carolina is captured by the Indians when a mere -g> 
«^y child, and in the dawn of manhood finds his kin- rpt 
dred again. ^ 

<§} The young man is sent to college at Oxford, 

<Q. in England. Then come the stirring days of the 


^ Revolution, when his country has need of every 


§ 
§ 

5-. -vii, and he returns to cast in his lot with the 
xt struggling patriots. § 

-£r^> 

There are plots and counterplots, exciting epi- J=T 
sodes and hair-breadth escapes. But love and ^ 
g loyalty and the heart of youth triumph, and {§> 


<§} happiness comes at last. 

Tenjull Pag , 

§ 

<§- 


§ 

§ 

€> 

§ 


Illustrations 
Bound in Art Crash 
Price y # 1.50 

<§} AT all booksellers, or sent prepaid by -{§> 

THE C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO. {§> 
§211 Tremont Street, Boston, Massachusetts § 
*§■ {§> 


THEODOSIA 

The First Gentlewoman of Her Time 


§ 

<§ Another strong success from the pen of Charles 
<§} Felton Pidgin , author of “ Quincy Adams 
§ Sawyer “ Blennerhassett,” etc., is entitled 
§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

© 

§ 

§ 

|=^ The Story of Her Life, and a History of Per- 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

<& 

§ 

<§- 

§ 

<& 

< 3 - 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 


sons and Events Connected Therewith. 

The strange and tragic story of Aaron Burr’s brilliant 
and beautiful daughter, unmatched in the pages of 
romance, is told with compelling charm, and with all 
the author’s subtle grace of style. Time and money and 
tireless research have thrown new light on the mystery 
which has hitherto shrouded the fate of Theodosia Burr 
Alston, and the reader will learn what has never been 
written before, and what none but those engaged in the 
search dreamed ever would be written. 

Interwoven with her fascinating life story are many 
other historic personages and events that have exercised 
a powerful influence on the history of the United States. 

Contains 484 pages and 50 illustrations, many of them 
from rare photographs never before published. Hand- 
somely bound in Art Crash. 


Regular Edition , $2.50 Net 
Library Edition , $3.00 Net 

THE C. M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO. 
Boston, Massachusetts 






1 Midsummer 1 


Madness 

TRANSLATED FROM THE SPANISH OF 
EMILIA PARDO BAZAN 


§ 

§ 

§ 

© 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

<& 

§ 

© 

© 

<& 

§ 

§ 

§ 

© 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

<& 

<& 

§ 

§ 

& THE C. 

<& 

§ 


By AMPARO LORING 


Appropriately bound in the Spanish colors 
Ten full-page illustrations 
Price $1.50 

AT ALL BOOKSELLERS OR SENT PREPAID 


§ 

& 

€> 

€> 

€> 

§ 

€> 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 


S ENORA PARDO BAZAN, WHO WROTE THE 
original manuscript of “ Midsummer Madness,” 
handled her subject with such fearless ingenuity and 
subtle discernment that the reader’s interest is keyed to 
a high pitch from the first page to the last. To Amparo 
Loring, as translator, belongs the credit of having caught -£*> 
the spirit of the writer and skillfully interpreted the 
subtleties of the Spanish text in the most admirable of Tr? 
English. 

“ Asis,” the central figure in a series of most romantic 
and exciting episodes, is the Marchioness of Andrade, 
a rich and handsome Spanish widow, who has always 
held an unquestioned and dignified position in society, 
despite her natural love of gaiety. 

The action of the story takes place in Madrid, at the 
height of the summer season, when according to a Spanish 
tradition, “ everybody is seized with a diabolical excite- 
ment, a veritable Midsummer Madness.” 


§ 

■& 

§ 


§ 

BY § 

M. CLARK PUBLISHING CO. ® 

Boston, Massachusetts 




* 


















f 



